PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
Public Health District
News & Information
Take the Communnity Health Needs Survey Today
The 2018-2019 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is underway. Let your voice be heard. You can take the survey on-line at www.2018CHNA.org
Everyone that completes the survey will be entered in to a drawing to win one of 60 gift cards valued at $50 each!
This assessment aims to gather information about the health and well-being of our community through a brief survey that will help local organizations better serve the residents of Waco-McLennan County. This survey is being conducted through a partnership between the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, Providence, Baylor Scott and White Center-Hillcrest, Family Health Center, Prosper Waco, and the Center for Community Research and Development at Baylor University.
The goal of the CHNA is to provide a comprehensive and unbiased profile of Waco-McLennan County, assess community health and risk factors, and identify access to care issues. The results will stimulate discussion and planning of projects to address health needs identified. Previous assessments have resulted in targeted health promotions and have supported numerous grant opportunities for the community.
A randomly selected sample of homes within McLennan County will be receiving a postcard in the mail within the next week. The CHNA partners are asking residents to follow the instructions on the card to complete the survey. The survey can be completed online, on the phone, or in person. Teams of researchers will be in the community in October to follow-up with the selected homes if they have not already completed the survey. Everyone that completes the survey will be entered in to a drawing to win one of 60 gift cards valued at $50 each!
Results of this Assessment will be available to the public next year. Everyone is encouraged to visit www.2018CHNA.org to view the survey and the report when it is completed.
WEEKLY FLU REPORT
Flu activity reports will be posted weekly October 2017 through September 2018 for the 2017-2018 season.
Flu Activity Report
Influenza-like illness: Flu A: Flu B: Non- Differentiated:
For complete flu season history.
Flu Treatment Guidelines
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District encourages anyone with flu symptoms to seek medical care. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms and need care, please do not hesitate to seek treatment. Healthcare providers are available to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Only a healthcare professional can diagnosis the flu and prescribe medications.
There are many options to choose from starting with a primary healthcare provider, hospital emergency departments, urgent care clinics and private emergency rooms. Please limit the number of family members you bring to the clinic. This will protect healthy family members from the possibility of exposure to the flu. If you need medical attention for non-emergency conditions and symptoms contact your primary care provider or go to an urgent care clinic.
Read our 2017 Annual Report
The City Health Dashboard
The Health District and Prosper Waco have partnered with NYU School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health, NYU Wagner, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the National Resource Network, to create a first-of-its-kind data visualization online tool that allows city leaders to view residents’ health by neighborhood – and take action!
Learn more about the City Health Dashboard. Visit the dashboard to learn more about our City! cityhealthdashboard.com
Health District Strategic Plan
Sharps Disposal
At the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, we recognize the importance of proper disposal of sharps and medications for residents and for the environment. We do not offer services to aid in the disposal of syringes; however, safe disposal of needles may be easier than you think. Click here for recommendations provided by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on how to dispose of medical waste.
Check out this helpful video from the Solid Waste Department and Muncipal Information Department of the City of Waco.
Residents may also check with their prescribing physician for free sharps containers to aid in the storage of medical waste. Local pharmacies may also take back of any unused medication.
Waco-McLennan County Health Needs Assessment
The 2016 Waco-McLennan County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) was conducted through a funding partnership with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, Providence Healthcare Network, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest, and Baylor University Center for Community Research and Development.
The goal of the CHNA is to provide a comprehensive and unbiased profile of McLennan County, assess community health and risk factors, and identify access to care issues. The results will stimulate discussion and planning of projects to address health needs identified. Previous assessments have resulted in targeted health promotions and have supported numerous grant opportunities for the community.
