Denton County Public Health

  • About Denton County Public Health
    • History and background
    • Mission and goals
    • Leadership and staff
  • Services Offered
    • Clinical services and programs
    • Community health education and outreach
    • Disease control and prevention
    • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Public Health Data and Reports
    • Key health indicators and statistics for Denton County
    • Epidemiology and surveillance data
    • Public health reports and publications
  • Partnerships and Collaborations
    • Local, state, and federal partnerships
    • Healthcare organizations and providers
    • Community-based organizations and coalitions
  • Career and Volunteer Opportunities
    • Job openings and qualifications
    • Internship and fellowship programs
    • Volunteer opportunities and requirements
  • News and Events
    • Latest public health news and updates
    • Community events and health fairs
    • Training and education opportunities
  • Licensing and Permits
    • Food establishment and mobile food unit permits
    • Tattoo and piercing establishment licenses
    • Public swimming pool and spa permits
  • Contact Information
    • Main office location and directions
    • Phone number and email address
    • Hours of operation and holiday closures
  • Public Comment and Feedback
    • Suggestion box and comment cards
    • Public meeting and hearing schedule
    • Online feedback form and email address
  • Get Involved and Stay Informed
    • Sign up for email updates and newsletters
    • Follow DC Public Health on social media
    • Attend public meetings and events

About Denton County Public Health

Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is a government agency that has been serving the residents of Denton County, Texas since 1924. DCPH is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the community by providing a range of public health services and programs. The agency's mission is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect the environment. DCPH is led by a Board of Health and is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to improving the health and well-being of the community.

History and Background

DCPH was founded in 1924 as the Denton County Health Department. At that time, the department was primarily focused on controlling communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, and typhoid fever. Over the years, DCPH has expanded its services and programs to address a wide range of public health issues, including chronic disease prevention, environmental health, and emergency preparedness and response.

Mission and Goals

DCPH's mission is to protect and promote the health of the community through disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental protection. The agency's goals are to:

  • Prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases
  • Promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles
  • Protect the environment and ensure safe living conditions
  • Prepare for and respond to public health emergencies

Leadership and Staff

DCPH is led by a Board of Health, which is appointed by the Denton County Commissioners Court. The board is responsible for setting policies and priorities for the agency. DCPH is staffed by a team of public health professionals, including physicians, nurses, epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, and support staff. The agency is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves.

Services Offered

Clinical Services and Programs

DCPH provides a range of clinical services and programs to promote and protect the health of the community. These services include:

  • Immunizations for children and adults
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment
  • Tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment
  • HIV testing and counseling
  • Family planning services
  • Cancer screening
  • Childhood lead poisoning prevention

Community Health Education and Outreach

DCPH is committed to promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles through community health education and outreach. The agency's community health programs include:

  • Health fairs and community events
  • Healthy eating and physical activity programs
  • Tobacco cessation programs
  • Drug and alcohol prevention programs
  • Teen pregnancy prevention programs
  • Mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs

Disease Control and Prevention

DCPH is responsible for monitoring and controlling the spread of communicable diseases in the community. The agency's disease control and prevention programs include:

  • Disease surveillance and reporting
  • Outbreak investigations
  • Contact tracing
  • Isolation and quarantine
  • Vaccination campaigns

Emergency Preparedness and Response

DCPH plays a critical role in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and acts of terrorism. The agency's emergency preparedness and response programs include:

  • Emergency planning and training
  • Response coordination with local, state, and federal agencies
  • Mass vaccination and medication distribution
  • Community outreach and education

Public Health Data and Reports

Key Health Indicators and Statistics for Denton County

DCPH collects and analyzes data on a wide range of public health issues in Denton County. The agency's key health indicators and statistics include:

  • Mortality rates
  • Birth rates
  • Cancer incidence and mortality
  • Infectious disease rates
  • Chronic disease prevalence
  • Environmental health hazards

Epidemiology and Surveillance Data

DCPH uses epidemiology and surveillance data to monitor the spread of communicable diseases and identify public health trends in the community. The agency's epidemiology and surveillance data includes:

  • Disease case counts and rates
  • Outbreak investigations
  • Surveillance of reportable diseases
  • Environmental health inspections
  • Health risk assessments

Public Health Reports and Publications

DCPH publishes a variety of reports and publications on public health issues in Denton County. These resources are available to the public and include:

  • Annual reports
  • Epidemiology bulletins
  • Health alerts and advisories
  • Environmental health reports
  • Community health assessments

Partnerships and Collaborations

Local, State, and Federal Partnerships

DCPH works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to improve the health and well-being of the community. The agency's partnerships and collaborations include:

  • Denton County Emergency Services
  • Texas Department of State Health Services
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • North Texas Regional Advisory Council (NTRAC)
  • Denton County Healthcare Coalition

Healthcare Organizations and Providers

DCPH partners with healthcare organizations and providers to provide high-quality clinical services and programs to the community. The agency's healthcare partnerships include:

  • Medical City Denton
  • Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton
  • United Way of Denton County
  • Denton County Medical Society
  • Denton County Nurse Practitioner Association

Community-Based Organizations and Coalitions

DCPH partners with community-based organizations and coalitions to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles and address social determinants of health. The agency's community partnerships include:

  • Denton County Friends of the Family
  • Denton County Transportation Authority
  • The Denton Community Food Center
  • Denton County Homeless Coalition
  • Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team

Career and Volunteer Opportunities

Job Openings and Qualifications

DCPH offers a variety of career opportunities for public health professionals, including physicians, nurses, epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, and support staff. The agency's job openings and qualifications can be found on the DCPH website.

Internship and Fellowship Programs

DCPH offers internship and fellowship programs for students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in public health. These programs provide hands-on experience and training in various areas of public health practice.

Volunteer Opportunities and Requirements

DCPH relies on volunteers to help support its mission and goals. The agency's volunteer opportunities include:

  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Community health education and outreach
  • Clinical services and programs
  • Administrative support

Volunteers must meet certain requirements, including background checks, immunizations, and training.

News and Events

Latest Public Health News and Updates

DCPH provides the latest public health news and updates on its website and social media channels. The agency's news and updates cover a wide range of public health topics, including disease outbreaks, health alerts, and community events.

Community Events and Health Fairs

DCPH hosts and participates in a variety of community events and health fairs throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for community members to learn about public health issues, receive free health screenings, and connect with local health organizations.

Training and Education Opportunities

DCPH offers training and education opportunities for public health professionals and community members. The agency's training and education programs include:

  • Emergency preparedness and response training
  • Clinical skills training
  • Continuing education courses
  • Community health education workshops

Licensing and Permits

Food Establishment and Mobile Food Unit Permits

DCPH is responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections for food establishments and mobile food units in Denton County. The agency's food establishment and mobile food unit permits can be obtained on the DCPH website.

Tattoo and Piercing Establishment Licenses

DCPH is responsible for issuing licenses and conducting inspections for tattoo and piercing establishments in Denton County. The agency's tattoo and piercing establishment licenses can be obtained on the DCPH website.

Public Swimming Pool and Spa Permits

DCPH is responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections for public swimming pools and spas in Denton County. The agency's public swimming pool and spa permits can be obtained on the DCPH website.

Contact Information

Main Office Location and Directions

The DCPH main office is located at 535 S. Loop 288, Suite 1003, Denton, TX 76205. Directions to the office can be found on the DCPH website.

Phone Number and Email Address

The DCPH phone number is (940) 349-2900 and the email address is publichealth@dentoncounty.gov. The agency's staff is available to answer questions and provide assistance during regular business hours.

Hours of Operation and Holiday Closures

The DCPH office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The agency is closed on weekends and holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Public Comment and Feedback

Suggestion Box and Comment Cards

DCPH welcomes public comment and feedback on its services and programs. The agency provides suggestion boxes and comment cards at its main office and community events.

Frequently Asked Questions about Denton County Public Health

What services are provided by Denton County Public Health?

Denton County Public Health provides a variety of services including vaccinations, health screenings, disease reporting and investigation, family planning, and environmental health services.

How can I get a copy of my immunization records?

You can request a copy of your immunization records from Denton County Public Health by calling (940) 349-2900 or visiting their office in person.

Does Denton County Public Health offer flu shots?

Yes, Denton County Public Health offers flu shots during the flu season. The flu shots are available for anyone 6 months of age and older. You can schedule an appointment or walk-in during their regular business hours.