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Public Health department outlines clinic, testing and behavioral programs; council asks city to publicize services
Summary
The Laredo Public Health Department presented a detailed overview of clinical services, immunizations, infectious disease programs, behavioral health and emerging grants; council asked administration to publish the materials on city public channels.
Laredo Public Health provided the council a comprehensive overview of clinical, laboratory and community programs the department operates or supports, and council members directed management to publish the presentation and outreach materials to city social media and web channels.
What was presented: The department listed clinical services available at its Cedar Clinic, including immunizations for children and adults, low-cost diagnostic laboratory testing through the Buena Vida program, sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing and case management, hepatitis C screening and treatment assistance, tuberculosis surveillance and contact follow-up, and the WIC nutrition program. The department described behavioral-health programs including a case-management and telepsychiatric service, a court‑ordered AOT (assisted outpatient treatment) program and the department’s opioid-harm-reduction activities, which include naloxone distribution via cabinets at partner locations.
New and notable items: Public Health said it recently won a grant to stand up an Alzheimer’s and related dementia program (early detection emphasis) and that the department is building an air-quality/ETO monitoring capacity as part of a new city air-quality program. The epidemiology unit is also tracking autism prevalence in area school systems under a federal surveillance grant.
Council request: Councilmember Sierra (district representative) moved that the health department provide the presentation and supporting materials to city public-information staff for distribution on social and web channels so the community can learn where to access low-cost lab testing, immunizations, behavioral supports and other services. Management accepted the direction and committed to posting materials promptly.
Why it matters: Many programs are low-cost or no-cost for eligible residents and can fill gaps in care, including laboratory testing that may cost more under some private insurance arrangements. Publishing the information broadly will raise awareness and help residents find services without needing to navigate the full clinic intake process.
Next steps: The health department will coordinate with the city’s public information office to publish the presentation and to provide contact information and clinic hours. No funding changes were requested at the meeting.
