Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton - Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by Public Health Services for approval to reappoint Dr. Ericka Brown as the Local Health Authority for Harris County for the two-year term of September 17, 2026 - September 17, 2028.
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Background and Discussion:
Established during the 79th Legislative session, Health Authorities (HA) serve as a critical part of the state’s public health system. Health and Safety Code establishes and defines a Health Authority in Texas as a physician appointed under the provisions of Chapter 121, to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction. Health Authorities are considered an officer of the state when performing duties to implement and enforce laws that protect the public’s health.
Expected Impact:
This appointment will allow for the execution of certain state health activities in Harris County, such as: · Establishing, maintaining, and enforcing jurisdictional quarantine orders · Aiding in quarantine inspections, disease prevention and suppression efforts, birth and death statistics, and general sanitation issues within their jurisdiction · Reporting the presence of contagious, infectious and dangerous epidemic diseases to local and state authorities
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical a...
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