PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES

2007 News Releases

• Musical performances, free HIV testing set for World AIDS Day observance (11/27/07)
• New food ordinance enforcement begins November 12 (11/9/07)
• Keep pets safe during Halloween (10/25/07)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV testing Oct. 15 (9/27/07)
• HDHHS to release Alzheimer's help book for black church leaders (9/27/07)
• HDHHS to conduct health assessments of Sunnyside, Independence Heights (9/6/07)
• HDHHS detects significant jump in syphilis cases, rapid response set for September (8/29/07)
• Pandemic flu summit targets preparedness of local Community Based Organizations (8/7/07)
• HDHHS reminds parents to obtain birth certificates for school year (7/30/07)
• HDHHS confirms first West Nile Virus human case of 2007 (7/26/07)
• Meeting to Present Magnolia Park Human Services Action Plan on July 25 (7/18/07)
• Free HIV tests set for testing day June 27 (6/25/07)
• HDHHS sets Saturday walk-in certifications for health services (6/4/07)
• Friends of BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) offer opportunity to find new pet (6/13/07)
• Free HIV tests set for testing day June 27 (6/5/07)
• HDHHS to lead community health assessment of Magnolia Park (4/27/07)
• HDHHS to honor Houston physicians with high immunization rates (4/20/07)
• HDHHS to continue antibiotic distribution Wednesday (4/3/07)
• HDHHS’ WIC program sets walk-in registrations (3/28/07)
• Reliant Energy, HDHHS Announce Funding for Energy Efficiency Home Improvements As Part of Larger Consumer Education Program (3/20/07)
• Program to present local, state tuberculosis trends (2/13/07)
• HDHHS to showcase new Southwest Multi-Service Center at ceremony (2/13/07)
• Free HIV tests offered as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (2/5/07)
• HDHHS’ Southwest WIC Clinic moves to new location (1/3/07)

2006 News Releases

• World AIDS Day observance to feature entertainment, New Orleans-style procession, HIV testing (11/27/06)
• Pandemic flu workshop to help strengthen preparedness plans, response (11/9/06)
• HDHHS adds four city locations issuing birth certificates (10/7/06)
• BARC to observe National Animal Shelter Appreciation Day Nov. 5 (10/30/06)
• HDHHS’ Bureau of Vital Statistics extends business hours on Thursdays (9/28/06)
• HDHHS acquires equipment improving mold, pollen reports (9/27/06)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV testing Oct. 15 (9/26/06)
• Local Immunization Coverage Improves Dramatically (9/15/06)
• AAA to enroll seniors in program helping with costs
  of Medicare prescription drug premiums, co-payments (8/17/06)
• HDHHS sets up Kitty Korner at BARC (8/14/06)
• HDHHS' WIC nutrition programs to tackle obesity (7/17/06)
• Needs assessments for flooded neighborhoods (6/23/06)
• Free HIV tests throughout Houston set for June 27 (6/22/06)
• HDHHS stresses immunizations appointments in early summer (6/5/06)
• HDHHS’ WIC clinics offer walk-in registrations in June (6/2/06) Opening Reception Set for Art Exhibit by People with Disabilities (5/9/06)
• New Chief Named for City Animal Control Service (5/3/06)
• HDHHS to recognize Houston physicians with high immunization rates (4/24/06)
• Agencies to offer free vision screenings, presentation (4/20/06)
• HDHHS issues warning on unpasteurized foods after brucellosis cases (4/14/06)
• Latino HIV Task Force sets open house (4/7/06)
• HDHHS detects lead, arsenic in seven South Asian traditional remedies (3/1/06)
• HDHHS recommends vaccinating dogs against distemper (2/21/06)
• HDHHS changes fees for birth, death certificates (2/10/06)
• Free vision screenings set for Feb. 1 at La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center (1/23/06)
• HDHHS’ HIV surveillance project to research service gaps in health care system (1/4/06)

2005 News Releases

• Houston, Harris County Public Health Investigate Possible Measles Cases (12/21/05)
• Acres Home Multi-Service Center to host health care mobile unit  (12-19-05)
• Free HIV forum to explore women’s issues (11-22-05)
• HDHHS sets open house for expanded Lyons Avenue Health Center (10-27-05)
• Free symposium to prepare professionals helping hurricane disaster survivors (10-12-05)
• Residents can report air quality issues by calling 3-1-1 (10-11-05)
• HDHHS to provide flu shot for high-risk groups (10/7/05)
• HDHHS activates heat emergency plan (9/28/05)
• HDHHS recommends precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses (9/27/05)
• HDHHS urges residents to seek air conditioned facilities (9/27/05)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV testing Oct. 15 (9/20/05)
• HDHHS issues first restaurant smoking ban citation (9/14/05)
• New smoking ordinance now in effect (9/6/05)
• Food Inspection reports online (8/24/05)
• HDHHS identifies area rise in cases of Listeriosis (8/22/05)
• HDHHS project provides peek at future of environmental enforcement (8/22/05)
• HDHHS receives March of Dimes grant to improve health of Houston mothers, babies (8/1/05) version 2
• HDHHS receives March of Dimes grant to improve health of Houston mothers, babies (8/1/05) version 1
• HDHHS confirms the first West Nile Virus case of 2005 (7/27/05)
• HDHHS temporarily shifts all immunizations to health centers (7/8/05)
• Free HIV tests offered June 24 (6/20/05)
• Opening reception set for exhibit by people with disabilities (6/2/05)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV tests (6/2/05)
• HDHHS urges immunization appointments in early summer (6/1/05)
• Forum to seek input on issues affecting seniors (5/25/05)
• HDHHS recommends precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses (5/10/05)
• Hunting Bayou Advisory Lifted (5/9/05)
• HDHHS to honor medical providers with high immunization rates (4/25/05)
• Hunting Bayou Advisory - recreation ban (4/21/05)
• Latino HIV Task Force to sponsor open house (3/29/05)
• World TB Day (3/23/05)
• Free Sterilization, Rabies Vaccinations for Male Dogs on Saturday, March 12 (31/11/05)
• HDHHS recommends flu shots to travelers (2/28/05)
• HDHHS to offer flu shots once again (2/22/05)
• HDHHS to require appointments for children immunizations (2/18/05)
• HDHHS to offer preventive health services at Acres Homes (2/18/05)
• HDHHS reopens Riverside Health Center (2/7/05)
• HDHHS to open immunization clinic focusing on adults (1/6/05)

Disaster Relief Links (September 2005)

• HDHHS recommends evacuee immunizations at clinics (9/9/05)
• Health Department Offering Help At Multi-Service Centers and WIC clinics
• Questions and answers about Immunizations
• How to Obtain TB Services in Houston
• Tuberculosis - Frequently Asked Question
• Information about the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees
• Preguntas mas frecuentes (WIC)

2004

• HDHHS providing flu shots for people in high-risk groups (12/17/04)
• Officials Following Up on Bacteria Detection (12/17/04)
• Garage sale at West End Multi-Service Center (10/20/04)
• Public health/medical community response to flu vaccine shortage (10/13/04)
• HDHHS to use new federal grant, city bond funds to renovate homes with lead-based paint (10/6/04)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV tests (9/23/04)
• Breast-feeding barriers diminish benefits to babies (8/10/04)
• Excessive heat advisory discontinued (8/6/04)
• Latino HIV Task Force sets open house (8/4/04)
• Houston activates heat emergency plan (8/2/04)
• HDHHS to offer school vaccinations at shopping malls (7/29/04)
• Opening reception set for exhibit featuring disabled artists (7/14/04)
• HDHHS sets open enrollment for family planning, maternity, well child services at health centers (7/14/04)
• School year preparations include birth certificates, vaccinations (7/6/04)
• HDHHS recommends precautions against West Nile Virus (6/21/04)
• Entries by disabled artists sought for juried show (6/17/04)
• HDHHS recommends precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses (5/27/04)
• HDHHS to sponsor job fairs (5/7/04)
• HDHHS recommends residents assess risks for STDs (4/8/04)
• Easter Egg Safety (4/8/04)
• TB cases in Houston slightly higher in 2003 (3/23/04)
• Nominations sought for HIV community planning group (2/4/04)
• Area Agency on Aging donates advice books on caring for elderly (1/27/04)
• HDHHS schedules eligibility certification for family planning, maternity, well child services (1/2/04)

2003 (in chronological order)

• World AIDS Day program to include poinsettia AIDS ribbon, candlelight vigil (11/19/03)
• Exhibit displays work by severely disabled (10/15/03)
• Officials following up on bacteria detection (10/9/03)
• Latino HIV Task Force to offer free HIV tests (9/25/03)
• Distribution of repellents to target seniors at risk for West Nile virus (9/19/03)
• Houston Activates Heat Emergency Plan (8/4/03)
• HDHHS sets school immunizations at four local malls (7/22/03)
• Meeting to seek input on Riverside Health Center
  facility (7/9/03)
• First Arboviral Cases Reported for 2003 (7/2/03)
• City immunization sites to relocate (6/30/03)
• Houston activates heat emergency plan (6/23/03)
• Conference to help black churches with HIV, AIDS educational support (6/10/03)
• HDHHS, agencies to offer free HIV testing June 27 (6/9/03)
• HDHHS to honor medical providers with high immunization rates (4/10/03)
• HDHHS schedules National Immunization Week Events (4/3/03)
• HDHHS reports hike in local syphilis cases (3/26/03)
• HDHHS reports hike in local syphilis cases (2/28/03)
• HDHHS seeks health care professionals for smallpox training (2/5/03)
• Local health officials seek zoo visitors with possible rabies exposure (1/7/03)

News Releases - 2002

• HDHHS Awarded Grant To Reduce Lead Hazards In Low-Income Homes (12/18/02)
• HDHHS to present TCH pediatrician with immunization excellence award (12/6/02)
• Houston's World AIDS Day observance to include candlelight vigil, Poinsettia AIDS Ribbon (11/15/02)
• Free child screenings for lead poisoning offered in October (10/2/02)
• Second West Nile Virus Death in Houston (9/13/02)
• Riverside Health Center Services Temporarily Relocated to Third Ward Multi-Service Center (9/9/02)
• City Mobile Immunization Sites to Close Saturday (9/6/02)
• Thorough inspection stressed during food safety month (9/5/02)
• HDHHS Issues Pertussis Warning (8/29/02)
• HDHHS reports first death due to probable West Nile infection (8/19/02)
• Mosquito Prevention Recommendations (8/8/02)
• Houston confirms arboviral infection in resident (7/23/02)
• HDHHS schedules school vaccination at four sites (7/16/02)
• HDHHS to sponsor job fair (7/12/02)
• Art exhibit to feature work by severely disabled (7/8/02)
• Birth certificates needed for school enrollment (7/3/02)
• Elderly at risk for heat-related illnesses (6/3/02)
• Riverside Health Center closed temporarily; services relocated to other health centers (4/1/02)
• Women, Infants and Children program offers walk-in registrations in 2002 (3/25/02)
• El Programa de WIC ofrece registración sin cita previa en 2002 (3/25/02)
• Local AIDS Cases Decline; Federal Report Confuses True Scope of Disease Pattern (3/6/02)
• Health department, AIDS Ministry encourage participation in Black Church Week of Prayer (1/29/02) 
• Houston Records First Case of Hantavirus (1/11/02)    

News Releases - 2001 (in chronological order)

• Human AIDS Ribbon," HIV testing to kick off World AIDS Day observance(11/19/01)
• Ceremony to observe Lyons health center's 50th anniversary (11/01/01)

• New multi-service centers in Denver Harbor, Third Ward (10/09/01)

• Houston confirms SLE case (10/01/01)

• Presentations to focus on lead poisoning facts (9/20/01)

• Preventing falls among seniors part of healthy aging (9/17/01)

• Se ofrecerán vacunas en centros comerciales en agosto (7/23/01)

• HDHHS  schedules school vaccination sites at area malls (7/23/01)

• HDHHS concludes temporary tetanus vaccination sites (6/22/01)

• Conference to help Black churches develp AIDS ministry (6/21/01)

• HDHHS, organizations to offer free HIV testing June 27 (6/21/01)

• Drain standing water (mosquito control) (6/18/01) 

• HDHHS urges precautions against lead poisoning risks (6/13/01)

• HDHHS announces additional tetanus vaccination sites (6/13/01)

• HDHHS announces tetanus vaccine recommendations (6/12/01)

• Salmonella cases increase annually in June (6/1/01)

• Houston Health Officials Detect Syphilis Increase (5/30/01)

• Las precauciones pueden prevenir los ahogos, lesiones en albercas (5/22/01)

• Precautions can prevent drownings, pool injuries (5/22/01)

• Houston Health Officials Stress Immunizing Children in May, June (5/16/01)

  Older releases

• Lead an environmental threat to children; March 19-25 is National Poison Prevention Week (5/14/01)

• Precautions prevent heat-related illnesses (5/11/01)

• Las precauciones pueden prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con la calor (5/11/01)

• Rabid Skunks Found in West Houston (2/9/01)

• Infant Mortality conference scheduled Feb. 7 (1/26/01)

• HDHHS' HIV/STD bureau, local groups to host national conference (1/26/01)

• Mayor Brown Pushes for CHIP Enrollment (1/22/01)

• Risk Reduction for Respiratory Diseases (1/19/01)

• Medicare Beneficiaries Must Assess Options to Secure Assistance (1/2/01)

• HDHHS Provides Online Access To Data On Local Infectious Disease Trends (12/14/00)

• HDHHS, community organizations to commemorate World AIDS Day (11/29/00)

Conference to help employers tackle issues related to AIDS in work force (9/30/00)

• WIC Offers Walk-In Registrations for fall 2000 (9/29/00)

• HDHHS seeks members for HIV prevention group (9/19/00)

• Houston Deactivates Heat Emergency Plan (9/6/00)

• Houston Activates High Heat Emergency Plan (8/31/00)

• HDHHS to open new WIC site in Gulfgate area (8/30/00)

• Departamento de Salud abrirà centro WIC en Gulfgate (8/30/00)

• Preventing Cross-Contamination Theme for National Food Safety Month (8/9/00)

• Volunteers Needed To Deliver Meals To Elderly (8/8/00)

• Health Department Announces Alternate Immunization Sites (7/31/00)

• HMO Meetings to Inform Seniors of Health Care Options (7/25/00)

• Protection From Ozone-Related Respiratory Problems Only a Fresh Smell Away (7/14/00)

• Houston Activates High Heat Emergency Plan (7/17/00)

• City to launch billboard campaign for African-American HIV/AIDS State of Emergency (7/14/00)

• Our Health Community Festival (7/14/00)

• National HIV Testing Day Event (6/22/00)

• Urban AIDS Ministry Task Force Prepares for Black Church Lights the Way HIV Prevention Campaign (6/9/00)

• HDHHS to Receive Funding for Hepatitis C and Asthma (6/8/00)

• Houstonians Urged to Take Precautions with Heat (5/9/00)

• Mother's Day Gift Ideas (5/5/00)

• WIC Offers Walk-In Registrations in May, June, July and August 2000 (4/26/00)

• WIC ofrece registraciones sin cita previas (4/26/00)

• National Immunization Week is April 16-22, 2000 (4/7/00)

• Status of Women's Health in Houston (3/17/00)

• HDHHS Tendrá Una Feria de Nutrición (3/16/00)

• HDHHS To Hold Nutrition Fair (3/14/00)

• Houston/Harris County TB Cases at 25 Year Low (3/10/00)

• Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS (3/2/00)

• City Health Department Implements New Food Safety Ordinance (2/10/00)

• Third Ward Multi-Service Center Groundbreaking Set February 14 (2/4/00)

• Houston's Urban AIDS Ministry Task Force Prepares for Black Church Week of Prayer (1/31/00)
  

Older News Releases

• Por primera vez en la historia del Programa WIC (12/20/99)

• School-Based/Linked Program Results Released (12/07/99)

• World AIDS Day Observed (11/30/99)

Public Service Announcements (in chronological order)

• One Year Immunization Visit (2/22/00)

Media Alerts (in chronological order)

• Health Expo 2000 (6/30/00)