Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harris County declares May Water Safety Month; officials urge heat precautions after spike in illnesses
Summary
Harris County Public Health presented a resolution designating May as Water Safety Month and flagged a 329% increase in heat-related illnesses (80 confirmed heat deaths 2019–2023), urging education, swimming lessons, and cooling resources ahead of summer.
Harris County Public Health asked the commissioners to adopt a resolution naming May as Water Safety Month and to emphasize summer heat-safety measures. Scott Johnson, director of environmental public health, outlined drowning risks and promoted swim lessons and lifeguard awareness as prevention tools.
Dr. Erica Brown, Harris County’s health authority, said the county has seen a 329% increase in heat-related illnesses between 2019 and 2023 and reported 80 confirmed heat-related deaths over the period. "Children, older adults, and people with chronic diseases are at risk," Dr. Brown said, urging residents to provide shading, hydration, and cooling centers for vulnerable populations.
The court adopted the related resolutions for which speakers had already testified. County public-health staff emphasized ongoing outreach, including online resources and planned summer campaigns timed with large public events.
