• TACCHO Members LEAD the way for local public health actions through Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development.
    TACCHO Members LEAD Local Public Health
  • TACCHO Members provide Leadership as the front line local public health professionals that collect, analyze and report on data that can impact the health of their community.
  • TACCHO Members provide Education through media events, press releases and community education to inform and educate on promoting health, preventing disease, and protection from threats to health. Infectious disease, chronic disease, well checks, food safety and environmental health are just a few of the issues covered by LPH every day in the community.
  • TACCHO Members Advocate for local public health by working with their local community and local, state and national leaders to inform on the health of the community, as well as science-based, data-driven public health strategies that can improve the health of the population as a whole.
  • TACCHO Members Develop local public health by working together to identify and share best practices to prevent disease and promote the health of the community.
  • TACCHO Members provide the core public health functions of Assessment, Policy Development and Assurance. Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of the people and their communities. This is achieved by detecting, preventing and responding to diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
  • TACCHO Members routinely Assess by collecting, analyzing and reporting on various health data that provides a background on the health status of a community population. Health data reviewed includes disease, behavioral risk factors, social determinants of health, birth and death records and hospital data.
  • TACCHO Members conduct Policy Development by reviewing the trends in health data of their community population, review proven strategies and employ appropriate public health actions that improve, reduce or control the factors that can make a positive or negative impact on health. Such actions include policies that have been shown to improve or protect the health of the population.
  • TACCHO Members provide Assurance of local public health services by convening and collaborating with community partners to plan and provide personal health services and community programs that can provide a positive impact on the health of the community.
  • Casie Stoughton, MPH, BSN, RN, CPH, TACCHO President-Elect and Director, Austin Area Public Health District, with Governor Gregg Abbott on May 27, in Amarillo during Governor Press Conference.

    Casie stated "the mission of public health before the COVID-19 pandemic was to Promote, Prevent, Protect. The mission during the COVID-19 pandemic is to Promote, Prevent, Protect. And the mission after the COVID-19 pandemic will be to Promote, Prevent, Protect."
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TACCHO

The Texas Association of City & County Health Officials (TACCHO) is the premier member organization serving both Texas local public health officials and the departments which they lead in order to enhance local public health practice in Texas with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Texans and the communities in which they live.

TACCHO Says

 Learn more about TACCHO statements and position on public health issues

 TACCHO SAYS

November 19, 2020
Have a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season!!
Texas is seeing a continued rapid spreading of COVID-19 and rises in hospitalizations. Local health departments join the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in recommending that holiday gatherings be held with persons who live within the same household and visit virtually with other family and friends.
 
If an in person gathering is going to be held, check out the DSHS website on steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
 
 
TACCHO urges everyone to celebrate safely to stay well this holiday time!!
 
October 6, 2020
TACCHO recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting the flu:
1.      Get vaccinated.  The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get an annual flu shot, and the flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
2.      Remember that antiviral medications are a second-line defense against the flu.  If you are experiencing fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches, visit your doctor immediately, and take antivirals if prescribed.  These remedies can help you recover quicker, and can potentially prevent you from being hospitalized with flu complications.
3.      Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs.  Preventive actions practiced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic help slow the spread of influenza, too.  Wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands often, and staying home when feeling unwell can help prevent many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
 
TACCHO reminds residents that vaccination is a community effort that not only protects yourself, but also family, friends and those around you.  Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.  Vaccinating also helps safeguard those who are at highest risk of complications or death from the flu, including:
·        Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
·        Children younger than five
·        Adults 65 years of age and older
·        People living in long-term care facilities
·        American Indians and Alaskan Natives
·        People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune system due to disease or medication, kidney and liver disorders, and people with extreme obesity
 

July 2, 2020

With the rising cases, hospitalizations and community spread of COVID-19 in Texas, TACCHO supports the most updated COVID-19 recommendations for all community members that include:

  • Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance in public settings and when around individuals outside of the household
  • Wear masks or face coverings, which should cover both the nose and mouth, in public settings and when around individuals outside of the household
  • Wash and/or sanitize hands frequently
  • Stay home if you are symptomatic, have recently had close contact to a person with COVID-19, or have pending COVID-19 lab results
TACCHO News

 Learn what is happening at the national, state and local levels! 

December 1, 2020

Local Health Department Directors Appointed as Members of the DSHS Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel!

In November, Casie Stoughton and Stephen Williams were appointed as members of the DSHS Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, a group of internal and external subject matter experts that will develop recommendations on the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. You can learn more about the panel at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/evap.aspx

Casie Stoughton, MPH, BSN, RN, CPH is the Director of the Amarillo Area Public Health District and current TACCHO President.

Stephen L. Williams, MEd, MPA is the Director of the Houston Health Department and a member of the TACCHO Executive Leadership Team.

 

Congratulations to Casie and Stephen and their participation that will bring the voice of local public health experience to this panel!

 

September 8, 2020

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Denton County Public Health (DCPH) has received national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for DCPH’s commitment to excellence in serving Denton County.  Currently, DCPH is one of eight local health departments in Texas with PHAB accreditation.  DCPH is also one of only four local health departments in the state with dual accreditation from PHAB and Project Public Health Ready (PPHR).  Learn more at In The News.

 

August 13, 2020

Katherine Wells, MPH, Director, Lubbock Health Department, (seated to the left) provided a report on COVID-19 activities by local public health to Governor Gregg Abbott during a meeting between state and local officials. 

July 10, 2020

Denton County Public Health (DCPH) has received recognition from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Model Practice Program as a 2020 National Promising Practice. NACCHO selected DCPH's Diabetes Education and Case Management (DECM) program as a promising practice and has recognized the DECM's team at the 2020 NACCHO Annual Conference virtually July 7-9, 2020.

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July 8, 2020 - Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director and Local Health Authority, Harris County Public Health, provides testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery. His testimony covered "Federal Response to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic: A Local Health Department's Pespective". 

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Coronavirus 2019 - COVID-19 Information

 

Learn more from national, state and local entities regarding the Coronavirus Disease - COVID-2019. TACCHO members understand the severity of this novel (new) coronavirus infections (called COVID-19), are actively monitoring the evolving situation and working closely with local, state and national entities to refine plans and respond appropriately.

Casie Stoughton, TACCHO President-Elect and Director, Amarillo Area Public Health District Speaks During May 27 Governor Press Conference in Amarillo

On May 27, Governor Gregg Abbott held a press conference in Amarillo to update on the COVID-19 surge response efforts in Amarillo. The Governor was joined by Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Amarillo Public Health Director Casie Stoughton, as well as State Senator Kel Seliger and State Representatives Four Price, John Smithee, and Ken King. See more of the Governor's press release statement here.

Casie Stoughton serves as the TACCHO President-Elect, moving into the President position on October 1. "Before the pandemic, the mission of public health was to Prevent, Promote and Protect. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of public health is Prevent, Promote, Protect, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of public health will be to Prevent, Promote, Protect", stated Casie.

In each of the three areas of Prevent, Promote, Protect, Casie noted that in the Prevent area, work with the Department of State Health Services state and regional offices, as well as the Centers for Disease Control, provided much appreciated partnerships for assistance in securing supplies and testing strike teams. In the Promote area, Casie noted the work and partnership with peer members of the TACCHO, particularly Houston, Denton and Lubbock, who were ready and available to answer questions and share resources. For the Protect area, Casie stated that the partnership with local healthcare systems and university were key in arranging testing efforts, communication and surge plans. See Casie's full statement here.

Austin and Dallas Provide OnLine COVID-19 Risk Guidance Chart

On May 13, Austin Public Health and Dallas County have posted charts that alert the public to the current risk for COVID-19 as Texas begins to re-open businesses across the state. Risks have been developed using information and guidance from local, state and national public health experts. Both charts use a color-coding to denote the various risk levels in the community.

The Dallas County Risk Guidance chart notes risks categories of High Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission, Medium Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission, Low Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission and New Normal Risk for COVID-19 Transmission. For more detailed information visit https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/

The Austin Public Health chart notes COVID-19: Risk-based Guidelines, that outlines 5 stages for Higher Risk Individuals and Lower Risk Individuals. It also notes when to Maintain Social Distancing and to Wear Facial Coverings, as well as noting the type of Workplaces to access per risk level. For more detailed information visit http://www.austintexas.gov/page/covid-19-risk-based-guidelines

See the charts atTACCHO In The News 

Local Public Health Departments (LHD) are the first line public health responders to health threats that affect the population of their communities. Visit the TACCHO Member website to locate a LHD in your city/county atTACCHO Members

Governor Abbott Announces Opening of Additional Businesses and Activities

On May 5, 2020 Governor Abbott issued a new Executive Order that expanded the opening of certain businesses and activities. See the full order here https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-to-expand-openings-of-certain-businesses-and-activities

Governor Abbott  Announces Phase 1 To Open Texas, Establishes Statewide Minimum Standards Health Protocols  

On April 27, 2020 Governor Greg Abbott announced phased plans to open Texas starting May 1. See announcement at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-phase-one-to-open-texas-establishes-statewide-minimum-standard-health-protocols

Texas Re-opens Retail Businesses: 

On April 17, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott signed an Executive Order authorizing the re-opening of retail businesses effective April 24. Review the DSHS guidance on how to re-open safely for both employees and customers.

How can Texans slow the spread of COVID-19?

You can do your part! The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19:

  • Stay home if you can.
  • Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
  • If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
General Population:
  • If you are in generally good health and have mild symptoms, stay home and take care of yourself like you would for a cold or the flu.
  • If symptoms worsen, call your doctor.
If you are sick or are caring for someone who is sick, you can use the Coronavirus Self-Checker on the CDC’s Symptoms & Testing page to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care.
 
TEXANS CAN DIAL 2-1-1 FOR INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES ON HEALTH CARE, UTILITIES, FOOD, HOUSING, AND MORE. 
 
 
 

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As advocates for the health and well-being of Texans, TACCHO members educate all interested stakeholders on local public health through research, data, and personal stories, helping our partners better understand what it means to live in Texas.

2020 Premier Public Health Conference

On March 2-3, 2020 in Houston, TX, TACCHO held its Annual “Premier Public Health Conference” that focused on workforce development in public health. The annual conference is attended by state and local public health professionals in Texas. 
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Awards and Recognition

TACCHO recognizes the efforts of our peers, and congratulates their success in the field of public health at the TACCHO annual public health conference. 
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Get involved

TACCHO members work directly with stakeholders to educate on local public health policy and practice. Other activities include emerging infectious disease, policy formation, intergovernmental relations, and member education.

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