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Honoring Our EMS Heroes: National EMS Week, May 18–24

We are incredibly proud to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA) during National EMS Week, May 18–24. These everyday heroes work tirelessly to keep our community safe and supported during times of crisis.

In 2024, GAAA crews responded to 19,152 emergency and non-emergency calls, with an average response time of 7 minutes and 34 seconds. Their commitment to providing timely, skilled, and compassionate care makes a profound difference in the lives of those they serve.

To the remarkable team at GAAA - thank you. Your professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our community are truly inspiring. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for all that you do.

National EMS Week 2025 [ [link removed] ]
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Hurricane Season Starts June 1 – Prepare Early

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and early preparation can make all the difference. Start now by creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and reviewing your evacuation route. Don’t wait for a storm to be on the radar — take action today to protect yourself and your loved ones.

*Special planning is critical for individuals with medical needs:*


* *Dialysis patients* should confirm their treatment schedule and know where alternate dialysis centers are located.
* *Those who rely on medical equipment* need to secure battery backups or alternative power sources for essential medical equipment (e.g., oxygen concentrators, ventilators). Stock extra batteries for hearing aids, glucose meters, and other medical devices. 
* *Those who rely on refrigerated medications* should have a cooler and ice packs ready, and know how to keep medicine safe during a power outage.

Don't forget to register with STEAR. Register each year with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) to communicate any needs you may have for medical, mobility, or transportation assistance. Register by visiting stear.tdem.texas.gov [ [link removed] ] or calling 2-1-1.

Stay informed, stay safe, and plan ahead. For preparedness tips and resources, visit gcoem.org [ [link removed] ] or ready.gov/hurricanes [ [link removed] ].

Click below to read our storm guide, "Storm-Proof Your Health: Emergency Plans for Older Adults. [ [link removed] ]"

Storm Proof Your Health [ [link removed] ]
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is an incredibly important part of overall health. We're strongest when we join Together for Mental Health.

Did you know more than 57 million adults in the U.S. face the reality of managing a mental illness every day? Taking on challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and erasing the stigma around mental illness requires all of us to work together.

Learn more about mental health [ [link removed] ] and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Awareness Month
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Celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: The Science Behind the Care

GCHD and CHW celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20-26, recognizing the dedicated lab professionals who play a crucial role in patient care by delivering accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic results.

Often working behind the scenes, our laboratory professionals are essential to nearly every aspect of healthcare. From routine blood tests to complex diagnostics, their expertise helps providers make informed medical decisions, detect diseases early, and monitor ongoing treatments. Simply put, without lab professionals, diagnosis and treatment would not be possible.

We thank our incredible lab team for their precision, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Your hard work and attention to detail ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care, and we’re proud to celebrate everything you do this Lab Week and every week!

Lab Week 2025
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Celebrating Nurses Week: May 6–12

Happy National Nurses Day & Week!

We proudly recognize and celebrate the compassion, dedication, and expertise of our incredible nurses at GCHD and CHW.

From public health to patient care, you go above and beyond every single day to protect, heal, and uplift our community. Your commitment does not go unnoticed. 

Please join us in thanking the following outstanding nurses:

Ami Cotharn, RN; Andrea MacDonald, RN; Ann Nutt, RN; Ashley Sciba, RN; Bethany Hansen, RN; Casandra Dilworth, LVN; Connie Almendarez, RN; Crystal Ramirez, LVN; Dana Ayers, LVN; Debra Howey, RN; Erin Gurski, RN, FNP-C; Gretchen Gray, RN; Jeanette Moody, LVN; Katelyn Gray, RN; Maria Culangan, RN; Maria Wilde, LVN; Rosemary Gonzales, LVN; Sandy Allen, RN; Shawntai Lyons, LVN; Tamara Wallace, LVN; and Tiffany Carlson, RN.

Thank you for being the heart of healthcare. Your work changes lives, and we are so grateful for each of you!

Nurses Day Week 2025
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Get Involved with the Galveston County MRC

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The Galveston County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking volunteers — both medical and non-medical — to support local public health initiatives and disaster response efforts. No medical experience? No problem! Free training is provided for all volunteers.

*"Join us for monthly meetings:"* 4th Thursday of each month | 6–8 PM at 9850-A Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite A-104, Texas City

Help us build a healthier, safer Galveston County. Learn more at www.gchd.org/mrc. [ [link removed] ]

Join the Galveston County MRC
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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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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 Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. 

Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 27, 2025.







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