About the Angelina County and Cities Health District
The Angelina County & Cities Health District stands as a vital public health resource, dedicated to serving the residents of Angelina County and its surrounding municipalities, including Lufkin, Diboll, Hudson, Huntington, and Burke. This district is committed to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of all community members through a broad spectrum of essential public health services. Their mission encompasses a holistic approach to health, addressing immediate health concerns while also focusing on long-term wellness and disease prevention. The district acts as a cornerstone for accessible healthcare, ensuring that individuals and families, regardless of their socioeconomic status or insurance coverage, have access to critical health services. From routine check-ups to specialized care, the Angelina County & Cities Health District plays an indispensable role in maintaining a healthy and thriving community. Their commitment extends to providing a safe and supportive environment for all individuals seeking to improve their health outcomes.
Comprehensive public health services offered
The Angelina County & Cities Health District offers a wide array of comprehensive public health services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. These services are foundational to preventive care, early diagnosis, and effective management of health conditions. Residents can access diagnosis and treatment for various ailments, alongside crucial prescriptions and referrals to specialists when more in-depth medical attention is required. To support accurate diagnoses, the district provides laboratory services, ensuring timely and reliable test results. Proactive health management is emphasized through health risk assessments, which help individuals understand their potential health challenges and take preventive measures. Health education is a cornerstone of their approach, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Immunizations are readily available, protecting individuals of all ages from preventable diseases. The district also champions preventive health initiatives, focusing on early intervention and risk reduction. For those managing ongoing health issues, chronic disease management programs offer support and guidance. Furthermore, the district provides essential well-child and sick-child exams, ensuring the healthy development of the youngest members of the community. Women’s preventive health services are also a key offering, addressing the unique health needs of women. Finally, family planning services are available, offering confidential and comprehensive support to individuals and couples making decisions about their reproductive health.
WIC services: support for women, infants, and children
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, a critical component of the Angelina County & Cities Health District’s offerings, provides essential nutritional support and healthcare access to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. The WIC services go beyond mere food provision; they are a comprehensive package of support for women, infants, and children. This includes vital breastfeeding support, offering guidance and resources to new mothers to help them successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding. Crucially, WIC also delivers nutrition education, empowering participants with the knowledge to make healthy food choices for themselves and their families. This education is tailored to individual needs and promotes a balanced diet, which is fundamental for the healthy growth and development of infants and children, and for the well-being of mothers. By providing these integrated services, the WIC program at the Angelina County & Cities Health District plays a significant role in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities within the community.
Health District administration and updates
The administration of the Angelina County & Cities Health District is committed to transparent and effective governance, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality public health services to the community. Recent administrative changes and operational updates are part of the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain efficiency and accountability in public health stewardship. The district strives to keep the public informed about its operations and any significant developments.
Recent administrator changes and employment issues
The Angelina County & Cities Health District has experienced recent changes in its leadership. In June, the district’s board made the decision to terminate the employment of its administrator, Kristina Childress. This action was reportedly due to alleged violations concerning the authorization of paid compensatory time to a resigning employee. Records indicate that Childress was fired for authorizing excess compensatory time payments, which the district board deemed as demonstrating carelessness and negligence in the stewardship of public funds. Following this change, Yesenia Cabral-Fletcher has been appointed as the current administrator, taking over the responsibilities from Childress and leading the district forward. These employment issues highlight the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and ethical management of public resources.
Contact information and operating hours
For residents seeking information or services from the Angelina County & Cities Health District, contact information and operating hours are readily available. The main administrative office is located at 503 Hill Street, Lufkin, TX 75904. The general phone number for the district is 936-632-1139. The district typically operates Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Specific hours for immunizations may vary, and it is advisable to call ahead to confirm availability. Additionally, a separate WIC office has been established at 205 Shands Drive, Lufkin, TX, with its dedicated phone number being 936-637-7242. The district welcomes both appointments and walk-ins, ensuring accessibility for those needing immediate assistance. For further information, the official website is acchd.us.
Specific health programs and testing
The Angelina County & Cities Health District is at the forefront of providing essential health programs and testing services, with a particular focus on infectious disease prevention and family health. These programs are designed to be accessible and comprehensive, addressing critical public health concerns within the community.
STI, HIV, and Mpox prevention and testing
In its commitment to safeguarding community health, the Angelina County & Cities Health District offers robust programs for STI, HIV, and Mpox prevention and testing. These services are crucial for early detection, treatment, and interruption of transmission. The district provides free HIV testing, a vital service that encourages individuals to know their status and access care if needed. Furthermore, they offer Mpox vaccines, a proactive measure to protect against this emerging public health threat. Beyond these specific offerings, a range of other testing and prevention services for STIs, HIV, and TB are available. These comprehensive services are designed to serve a diverse audience, including adolescents, American Indian or Alaska Native persons, at-risk persons, Black or African American persons, the general public, Hispanic or Latino persons, LGBTQ individuals, low-income persons, men, men who have sex with men, persons with HIV, persons with STIs, and women. The district ensures a confidential and supportive environment for all individuals seeking these critical health services.
Services for children and family planning
The Angelina County & Cities Health District is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of children and families through specialized programs. For children, the district provides essential well-child and sick-child exams, which are fundamental for monitoring growth and development, as well as for diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses. These services ensure that children receive timely medical attention, promoting a healthy start in life. In addition to pediatric care, the district offers comprehensive family planning services. These services are designed to empower individuals and couples with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This includes access to contraception, counseling, and education on various family planning methods. The goal is to support individuals in achieving their desired family size and spacing, contributing to overall family well-being and community health.
Serving the Angelina County community
The Angelina County & Cities Health District is deeply integrated into the fabric of the local community, acting as a primary provider of essential public health services. Its strategic location and operational framework are designed to maximize accessibility and impact for all residents.
Location and accessibility in Lufkin, Texas
The Angelina County & Cities Health District is centrally located in Lufkin, Texas, at 503 Hill Street, Lufkin, TX 75904. This primary location serves as a hub for many of its public health initiatives. The district ensures accessibility for all members of the community, recognizing the diverse needs of its population. They understand that timely access to healthcare is crucial, and therefore, they welcome both appointments and walk-ins, making it easier for individuals to receive the care they need without undue delay. The presence of a new WIC office at 205 Shands Drive, Lufkin, TX, further enhances the accessibility of specialized services for women, infants, and children in the area. By maintaining these accessible locations and flexible service protocols, the district demonstrates its commitment to serving the entire Angelina County community effectively.
Public Health Region 4/5 North: a part of Texas Health
The Angelina County & Cities Health District operates as a key component within the larger framework of the Texas public health system. It is officially designated as part of Public Health Region 4/5 North. This affiliation places the district within a broader network of health departments and resources across Texas, facilitating collaboration, resource sharing, and adherence to state-level public health standards and initiatives. Being a part of Texas Health ensures that the local district can leverage regional expertise and support to enhance its service delivery. This integration allows for a coordinated approach to public health challenges, ensuring that residents of Angelina County benefit from a comprehensive and well-supported public health infrastructure, aligned with the state’s overall health objectives and emergency preparedness plans.
Leave a Reply