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Pulse of the District GCHD Newsletter Header





Stay Protected Against Measles: Check Your Immunity at Coastal Health & Wellness

Did you know that immunity to measles can wane over time? Even if you received the MMR vaccine in the past, it's possible that your protection has diminished. The good news is that you can easily check your immunity status with a simple MMR titer test at Coastal Health & Wellness Express Lab for $42—and you don’t have to be a current patient.

This test will give you peace of mind by confirming whether you’re still immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. If the results show you're not immune, you can schedule an appointment with Coastal Health & Wellness to receive your MMR vaccine.

Not covered by insurance? The Galveston County Health District Immunizations Clinic offers private-pay vaccines and is a participant of the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs. 

Don’t wait—protect yourself and your community by checking your immunity.

MMR Titer at CHW Express Lab
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Meet the Team: Employee Shout Outs

Meet the team! Every week an employee from the Galveston County Health District, including Coastal Health & Wellness (CHW), Animal Resource Center, and Galveston Area Ambulance Authority, is highlighted on all platforms. Below are the highlighted employees for the month!

LaTonya Jones picture

*Meet LaTonya Jones!*

LaTonya is a Certified Medical Assistant III for Coastal Health & Wellness, a Community Health Center under GCHD. She joined us five years ago and has been in her field since.

Where are you from?
"La Marque, Texas"

What is your favorite part of your job?
"My favorite part of my job is being able to help patients."

What is one fun fact about you?
"I really think I can rap, so before I turn 50, I will make a rap album, lol."

If your life were a movie, what would the title be?
"Oh No, Ma'am. Who are you talking to??"

We asked LaTonya what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. She replied, "We see all types of patients, and it can get overwhelming sometimes, but with the great team that I'm thankful to work with, it makes our job run smoothly."

 



Marcus Evan Carpenter headshot photo

*Meet Marcus Evan Carpenter!*

Marcus is a Septic System Inspector for Galveston County Health District (GCHD). He joined the GCHD team about nine months ago. He would like to thank everyone who has welcomed him since he started working here. Everyone he interacted with has been kind, making him feel very lucky to be at GCHD.

Where are you from?
"Galveston Texas"

What is your favorite part of your job?
"I enjoy making my own schedule and getting to work outside."

What is one fun fact about you?
"I was a musician and singer-songwriter for 20 years."

If you could design your own amusement park ride, what would it be like and what theme would it have?
"I'm a big fan of exploring old caves and caverns. If I were to design a ride at an amusement park, it might be cool to see a ride that goes underground or goes through a huge system like Natural Bridge Caverns or Mammoth Cave."

We asked Marcus what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. He replied, "The environment is our highest priority, and we should be doing everything we can to protect it."

 



Laura Norman headshot photo

*Meet Laura Norman!*

Laura is the Emergency Management Coordinator for Galveston County Health District (GCHD). She joined the GCHD team 6 months ago and has worked in her field for 20 years. She is passionate about her job; she loves helping people and keeping them safe and informed.

Where are you from?
"Texas, as in for generations and generations."

What is your favorite part of your job?
"Every one of our colleagues is purposeful, compassionate, and mission-minded. I love the collaborative approach to problem-solving at the District and the enthusiasm I see in the hearts of our teammates as they serve the community."

What is one fun fact about you?
"I'll let you guess which is true. I raced Hobie Cats in West Texas during college. My Daddy played in the NFL. I can make a penguin out of balloons. I am married to a fire-breathing dragon. And I was at the parade in Dallas when JFK was shot. (All true.)"

If you could magically acquire a new skill or talent every month, what’s the first skill you’d choose and why?
"Nose wiggling- so I can clean my house like Bewitched."

We asked Laura what is something you would like everyone to know about your job/ department they may not know. She said, "Our mission in Public Health Emergency Preparedness is to ensure that GCHD and all of our agencies are prepared for emergencies and disasters of all kinds. We strive to build proactive solutions, allowing our responders and medical personnel to continue their mission despite adversity. We love hearing feedback and outside-of-the-box ideas and encourage our teammates to stop by any time for a cup of coffee and a chat. We learn so much from their experiences and are honored to work with such dedicated health professionals."



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Galveston Area Ambulance Authority Staff Complete EMS Frontline Training

Over the course of three days, the dedicated staff of the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA) participated in vital EMS frontline training. In collaboration with the UTMB Health Biocontainment Care Unit team, they gained valuable insights into managing various communicable diseases.

The training covered a range of essential topics, from how to handle different emergency situations to understanding key information and behind-the-scenes processes in dealing with potential biohazards.

A big thank you to the UTMB Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, & Education (SPECTRE) program for their expert guidance and support during this critical training. We are proud of our GAAA team for their continued commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

EMS training March 2025
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Celebrating National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate the powerful role food plays in our lives and how it connects us to our culture, communities, and overall well-being. This year's theme, ""Food Connects Us,"" highlights the importance of nourishing ourselves with healthy, balanced meals while fostering meaningful connections with those around us.

Throughout the month, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) WIC clinic is promoting the benefits of healthy eating, physical activity, and the many ways that food can unite individuals and families.

National Nutrition Month graphic
Registered Dietitians Day 2025 graphic

On March 12, we celebrated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, a special occasion to honor the registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who are at the forefront of promoting healthy eating habits. RDNs are experts in the science of nutrition, working with individuals and communities to improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

At GCHD, our RDNs are instrumental in offering nutrition counseling and education. They help guide you towards making informed food choices, improving eating habits, and achieving your wellness goals. We’re grateful for their dedication to helping Galveston County residents live healthier lives!



As we celebrate National Nutrition Month and its theme of ""Food Connects Us,"" let’s reflect on how food brings us together, from family meals to community events, to the ways we nurture ourselves and our loved ones. At GCHD, we are dedicated to helping you build strong, healthy connections with food, your health, and your community. Here's to a month of learning, celebrating, and fostering meaningful connections!

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Celebrating International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day: March 5

March 5 is International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day, a time to recognize and honor the vital work of lactation consultants in supporting breastfeeding families. Lactation consultants play a critical role in helping new mothers and their babies navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, ensuring that both are healthy, comfortable, and supported in their journey.

At the Galveston County Health District (GCHD), our IBCLCs provide invaluable support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, offering expert guidance, counseling, and resources to breastfeeding mothers. These professionals work tirelessly to help ensure that babies receive the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development, while also empowering mothers with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in their breastfeeding journey.

On this special day, we thank our IBCLCs for their dedication to the health and well-being of families in Galveston County. Their work truly makes a difference, fostering stronger bonds between mothers and babies and promoting long-term health benefits for both.

Let's take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the important role that IBCLCs play in supporting the breastfeeding community!

GCHD WIC IBCLC Day 2025
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American Diabetes Alert Day: Take Control of Your Health

On March 25, we recognize American Diabetes Alert Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of understanding and managing diabetes. With over 34 million Americans living with diabetes, many are unaware of their condition. Early detection is crucial, as it can help prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

If you're at risk—whether due to factors like being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or having high blood pressure—it’s essential to get tested. Our providers at Coastal Health & Wellness can help you understand your risk and take proactive steps toward better health.

Additionally, our Chronic Care Management program is here to support you every step of the way. If you're living with diabetes or other chronic conditions, our team will work with you to create a personalized care plan, monitor your health, and help you manage your condition effectively.

Don’t wait—early detection and proactive management can make all the difference in reducing your risk of diabetes and improving your quality of life. Contact Coastal Health & Wellness today at 409.938.2234 to take control of your health!

American Diabetes Alert Day graphic [ [link removed] ]
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National Poison Prevention Week: Keeping Your Family Safe

March 16-22 marks National Poison Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about the risks of poisoning and to promote actions we can all take to protect ourselves and our families. More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the Nation’s poison control centers. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 93 percent of poisonings happen at home, and 45 percent of poisonings involve children under the age of 6. The majority of fatal poisonings occur among adults, especially older adults.

National Poison Prevention Week was established by the U.S. Congress in 1961 to focus national attention on the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. To learn more about ways to keep people of all ages safe and help prevent poisonings, visit the Poison Help website [ [link removed] ] (or to view materials in Spanish).

In case of a poison emergency, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. 

National Poison Prevention Week 2025 graphic [ [link removed] ]
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GCHD WIC Team Brings Fun and Wellness to Kids Health Expo at Dickinson Public Library

The Galveston County Health District WIC team visited the Dickinson Public Library for the Kids Health Expo on March 19, 2025! They shared resources, flyers, and swag bags for the kids while engaging with families to make the event welcoming and fun.

Kids also enjoyed hands-on games and crafts, promoting health and wellness in an interactive way. The event featured Music & Movement, Toddler Storytime, and Toddler Yoga, where little ones moved, learned, and stretched their way to a healthy and happy day!

WIC at dickinson public library 2025
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Beat the Back-to-School Rush at GCHD Immunizations Clinic

As the new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Beat the rush and avoid the last-minute scramble by visiting the Galveston County Health District Immunizations Clinic for convenient walk-in clinic dates.

*Clinic Dates:*


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April 22 (8 AM - 6 PM)


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July 15 (8 AM - 6 PM)


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July 16 (8 AM - 4 PM)


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July 17 (8 AM - 4 PM)


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July 29 (8 AM - 6 PM)


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July 30 (8 AM - 4 PM)


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July 31 (8 AM - 4 PM)

No appointment needed—walk-ins only! Slots fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure your spot. 

*Location:*
Galveston County Health District Immunizations Clinic
9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expy, Suite B-104, Texas City, TX 77591

*Vaccines Available:*
TVFC vaccines for eligible children 18 and under. Private vaccines are also available—call for pricing.

*For more info, call 409.949.3459 or visit gchd.org/imm [ [link removed] ].*

Beat the rush and get your child protected today!

Back to school Immunization Clinic Dates
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"Upcoming"

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National Public Health Week 2024 graphic
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STI Awareness Week 2025 banner
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National Infant Immunization Week 2024









Don't get wiped out by the flu this year

The flu is still here, and spreading in our community, but it's not too late to get your flu vaccine to protect against the virus.

Most people who get sick with the flu will have a mild illness, however, the flu can make chronic health problems worse. Flu vaccines are the best protection against the flu, and its potentially serious complications.

People 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is especially important in high-risk groups including those ages 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu.

Visit the GCHD Immunizations Clinic at 9850-B Emmett F Lowry Expressway,
Suite B-104 to receive your flu vaccine. 




Holiday Closure

Galveston County Health District offices will be closed Friday, April 18, 2025 in observance of Good Friday. 

Offices will reopen Monday, April 21, 2025.







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