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.
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:
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Dialysis patients should confirm their treatment schedule and know where alternate dialysis centers are located.
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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.
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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 or calling 2-1-1.
Stay informed, stay safe, and plan ahead. For preparedness tips and resources, visit gcoem.org or ready.gov/hurricanes.
Click below to read our storm guide, Storm-Proof Your Health: Emergency Plans for Older Adults.
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 and Mental Health Awareness Month.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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