Stay informed about health news and updates in Austin, TX.
Austin Public Health urges residents to get vaccinated following the confirmation of two measles cases in Texas, the first since 2023. The health department emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine to prevent the highly contagious disease, especially for vulnerable populations. Dr. Desmar Walkes highlights vaccination as a key defense to protect both individuals and the community.
Texas has seen a troubling threefold increase in pertussis cases in 2024, reflecting a national surge. Health authorities are urging vaccinations and raising awareness to combat this outbreak, particularly among vulnerable populations like infants and young children.
The City of Austin and Austin Public Health are hosting the free Fiesta de Salud Health Fair on September 21, 2024, at Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School. The event aims to promote healthier living within the community, especially among Hispanic residents, through health screenings, immunizations, and family-friendly activities.
The City of Austin has announced the opening of the Burnet Place Apartments, a new affordable housing facility designed to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Located on the North Side, the 61-unit residence aims to provide stability and essential services to help reduce homelessness in the city.
The Mayor’s Health & Well-Being Council in Austin honored various organizations for their commitment to promoting health and well-being during a recent ceremony. Awards included the Mayor’s Healthiest Workplace Awards and the Moving the Needle Workplace Awards, recognizing efforts in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
The City of Austin is inviting applications for qualified individuals to join the Sobering Center Local Government Corporation Board of Directors, filling a term that extends through December 31, 2026. Candidates should have relevant expertise in areas such as public health, legal, or financial management. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
A pilot program in Austin-Travis County allows paramedics to administer blood transfusions to patients experiencing severe blood loss before they reach the hospital, significantly improving survival rates. Following successful initial results, the program is set to expand, equipping more emergency vehicles with whole blood supplies. This innovative approach addresses a critical need in emergency medical services, particularly for trauma patients.
Several City of Austin offices and facilities will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day, including parks, recreation centers, and libraries. However, city parks and golf courses will remain open, and trash collection services will not be affected. Residents are encouraged to plan their transportation for holiday celebrations safely.
The Austin Public Health (APH) has launched a new hub dedicated to opioid resources and education, aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in Austin-Travis County. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide essential information and support to the community regarding opioid-related issues.
A federal grant of $1.6 million is being utilized in Travis County to address the overdose crisis, particularly focusing on fentanyl-related deaths. This funding is aimed at enhancing harm reduction initiatives, Narcan outreach programs, and expanding drug treatment for inmates, contributing to a reported 26% decrease in overdose deaths in early 2024.