PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
Public Health District
News & Information
Health District Recognized!
A Spotlight award winner in the healthiest cities & counties challenge!
The City of Waco has been selected to receive $25,000 as part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge (the Challenge) Spotlight Award. Ten winners and five honorable mentions were selected for their ability to address the need to improve opportunities for all Americans – regardless of income, education or ethnic background – to take an active role in healthy living.
The award is part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge, an initiative launched in 2016 by the Aetna Foundation, along with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the National
Association of Counties (NACo), empowering 50 small-to-midsize cities and counties to implement innovative solutions for their local public health issues. The 15 selected organizations have tackled community-specific health disparities head-on and developed practical, evidence-based strategies to improve health conditions and promote healthy living. Read on...
WEEKLY FLU REPORT
Flu Activity Report for the week of July 21th- July 28th
Influenza-like illness: 23 Flu A: 1 Flu B: 3 Non- Differentiated: 0
For complete flu season history.
Flu Treatment Guidelines
The flu virus is still active in McLennan County and the risk for developing the flu remains high.
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, Baylor Scott & White and Providence Healthcare Network want to encourage 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.
