• LHDs ensure community-based programs and services are available to all residents to allow them to reach their full health potential
    Take Your Shot Campaign in Deep East Texas
  • LHDs work hand in hand with local government to support sustainable development, accessible and safe neighborhood schools, and governmental transparency.
  • TACCHO Members LEAD the way for local public health actions through Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development.
  • 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.
  • Local Health Departments in Texas activities during COVID-19 include educating, testing and vaccinations.
  • 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.
  • LHDs promote a healthier 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.
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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 2023 Unified Communications Campaign - Vaccine Health

April 17, 2023 - The Texas Association of City and County Health Officials (TACCHO), along with public health authorities across Texas, announced a statewide Unified Communications Campaign (UCC) in leadership with Laredo Health Department, Houston Public Health, and Abilene Public Health. According to Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of TACCHO, "We truly have better health through better partnerships, and I thank the members for bringing this initiative to life." The UCC will utilize various communication channels such as social media, advertising, and others to educate Texans on public health topics, historic, current and trending, and ensure equitable access to health services.

Dr. Richard Chamberlain, Laredo Director of Health, believes that "a unified communications campaign is crucial to promoting public health initiatives, programs, and services. By bringing together various organizations and agencies, we can maximize our reach to a wider audience and effectively educate and inform the public about important health issues. This collaboration allows us to work towards a common goal of improving the health and well-being of our communities, and ultimately, reducing the burden of preventable disease."

The campaign's initial focus is vaccine health education, aimed at improving vaccination rates across the state for COVID-19, flu, measles, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. The UCC involves a series of communications spotlighting outreach activities, educational programs, and vaccination clinics held in various locations across Texas. According to Katherine Wells, Lubbock Director of Health and TACCHO President, "Vaccines are essential in preventing infectious diseases, and this campaign will help ensure that all Texans are able to make their choice to choose being vaccinated to stay healthy and protect others."

By partnering with diverse organizations and agencies, the UCC can deliver consistent and accurate health information to diverse populations. This will help build trust in Texas communities and increase participation in health programs and services, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and greater health equity. This initiative will kick off tomorrow, Tuesday, April 18th at 12pm central time via social media, with the initial messaging focusing on the importance of vaccination.

General Vaccine Message: (Go To TACCHO Education Page for Full Messages) 

  • English  

Vaccinations have been proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect children and adults from serious illnesses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted regular vaccination schedules, and many children have fallen behind on their immunizations. Let's get back on track and help stop the spread and help make Texas the example to show that vaccines are in fact safe and effective! LOVE, PROTECT, AND VACCINATE THEM.

 

Link for the video:  https://youtu.be/A8V-7yLgc6o

 

  • Spanish:

Se ha demostrado que las vacunas son una de las formas más efectivas de prevenir la propagación de enfermedades infecciosas y proteger a niños y adultos de enfermedades graves. Sin embargo, la pandemia de COVID-19 ha interrumpido los calendarios regulares de vacunación, y muchos niños se han retrasado en sus vacunas. ¡Volvamos a la normalidad y ayudemos a detener la propagación! Hagamos de Texas el ejemplo para demostrar que las vacunas son de hecho seguras y efectivas. ÁMALOS, PROTÉGELOS Y VACÚNALOS.

 

Link for the video:    https://youtu.be/HWbjFu3jJUk

To access information on your community Local Health Department and the information on vaccine health find your LHD at the TACCHO member list HERE.

 

TACCHO Says

TACCHO SAYS

TACCHO members educate local, state and federal policy makers on the work of local public health. Go to the Advocacy site for more information on statements and positions by TACCHO!

Thank a Public Health Professional! 

Please take time to thank a public health professional for their time and commitment promoting the health of the people, preventing against diseases to the body and protecting against threats to health, 24/7! Thank you to these TACCHO Public Health Heroes!

TACCHO urges everyone to stay safe by continuing good health practices and following the guidance from the Department of State Health Services!!

Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect people and communities from infectious diseases. For more information about vaccines, visit the DSHS Vaccine Information page on this website. People who are up to date on their vaccines are less likely to be infected. They are also better protected from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

DSHS recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus:

  • Consider wearing a well-fitting mask, especially in indoor public places if you are not up to date on your vaccines.
  • Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
  • 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. This can include when your household members are sick, if possible.

DSHS also recommends staying six feet apart from others indoors in public if you are not up to date on vaccines or if you are at higher risk of getting very sick with an infectious disease.

For more information visit the website of the local health department serving your community. TACCHO Member LHDs are listed at the Member Organization site.

More information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at this link.

Leading the Health of the Community

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.

TACCHO members work with partners and stakeholders, using the LEAD priority structure to implement public health practice through:

  • Leadership—developing and leading action during emergency preparedness events
  • Education—informing and implementing best practices in infectious and communicable disease prevention and control
  • Advocacy—promoting sound public health policies to the Texas Legislature or US Congress
  • Development—building capacity of local health departments to serve the community
 

 

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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