Lavaca County hears 2025 public health report; officials highlight prevention and outreach

Lauren Wernern, the public health nurse assigned to Lavaca County by the Texas Department of State Health Services, briefed the Commissioners Court on the county's 2025 public health report and said the office emphasized prevention, partnerships and outreach.

"This year, we placed a strong focus on prevention education and building community partnerships," Wernern said, noting the county educated nearly 600 students about handwashing and disease prevention, served roughly 300 fifth-grade students with interactive health activities and helped collect more than 700 pounds of sharps during quarterly disposal drives.

Wernern reported 2025 case counts in Lavaca County of five foodborne illnesses, 31 new sexually transmitted disease cases, zero rabies‑positive animals and zero new tuberculosis cases. The department conducted 41 food and camp inspections last year, she said. The department also described work on child passenger safety, heat-stroke and water-safety education, and collaboration with local libraries and schools to reach families.

Wernern said the department aims to expand mental-health awareness and support and is exploring additional partnerships, including future collaboration with Golden Crescent Moms to extend family outreach programs.

Commissioners asked about the upcoming transfer of some food-truck oversight to the state; Wernern confirmed the department expected statewide rules and licensing to take effect in July and said local staff are preparing for the change.

No court action was taken on the report; commissioners thanked the DSHS staff for their presentation.