Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Thank You, Veterans

Thank you to all veterans for their service to our country, including those who work daily to protect and promote the One Health of Galveston County at Galveston County Health District, Galveston County Health District EMS, Galveston County Animal Resource Center and Coastal Health & Wellness.

Fall Festival 2023

Galveston County Health District and Coastal Health & Wellness hosted their first Fall Festival on October 28, 2023. This event was free, open to the public, and included a fun trunk-or-treat, free food and drinks, music, games, a costume contest and local vendors. 

Thank you to all the vendors who participated and provided treats, food, and resources to our community. 

ARC adopts out 37 animals at Mega Adoption Event

Thanks to our Galveston County Animal Resource Center staff and everyone who volunteered at the Mega Adoption Event in Houston.

It was a huge success and ARC adopted out 37 cats and dogs!

Special thanks to Petco Love and Montgomery County Animal Shelter Texas for allowing us to be part of this yearly event and a big thank you to City Of La Porte, TX Adoption Center & Animal Shelter for helping us throughout the event.

Additionally, thank you to Operation Kindness, SPCA of Brazoria County, and Best Friends Animal Society for helping us prepare our animals for the event.

Go Purple Day for Domestic Violence Awareness

Purple Thursday or “Go Purple Day” is a national day of action each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to wear all things purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class. Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.

New Narcan vending machine at Galveston County Jail

On Nov. 8, 2023, members of GCODE gathered to support the new Narcan vending machine at the Galveston County Jail. Speakers included Ashley Sciba, MPH, BSN, RN of Galveston County Health District, Les McColgin of Gulf Coast Outreach Services, Major Ray Nolen of Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Kristen Clancy of RX Recovery, Texas State Representative Terri Leo Wilson, Dr. John Mills of the Opioid Abatement Fund Council of Texas, and Paula Tobon of St. Vincent’s House.

Others in attendance included Stan Washington of Open Door Mission, Shannon Lien of BACODA, and Jacqueline Martinez of ROSC.

Now is the time to get your flu vaccine

It's not too late to get your flu vaccine! The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent becoming sick with the seasonal illness, and now is the time to get vaccinated.

Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the process soon since the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. People 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is especially important in high-risk groups including those ages 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu.

National First Responders Day, Oct. 28

Galveston Area Ambulance Authority celebrated National First Responders Day on Oct. 28.

Thank you to the men and women of GAAA for your commitment and tireless service to help your neighbor. We are safer and healthier because of YOU! 

Lone Star Rally 2023

Galveston County Health District attended the 2023 Lone Star Rally, Nov. 2-5 and provided free health screenings including blood pressure, blood glucose and oxygen level checks, free HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C testing, and information on available HIV PrEP services.

Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 5-11

Galveston County Health District and the Animal Resource Center celebrated Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 5-11. Thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers who work hard to keep our animals safe and healthy. We know the animals appreciate you just as much as we do! 

Smoking remains largest preventable cause of death

Quitting smoking isn't easy. It takes a plan, time and hard work. But, it can be done.
Nov. 16 marks the Great American Smokeout, an annual event to encourage those who smoke to stop.

You don't have to stop smoking in one day, but choosing a date to stop - and sharing that with your support system - is key to your success.

Coastal Health & Wellness earns Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges

Coastal Health & Wellness, a Federally Qualified Health Center under Galveston County Health District, was awarded 2023 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for its notable achievements in enhancing access, reducing health disparities, addressing social risk factors, and advancing health information technology for quality.

Learn more about Community Health Quality Recognition badges and how they're earned.

Healthy lifestyle changes can lower chances of prediabetes

More than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 96 million have prediabetes, a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Many with prediabetes don't even know it.

There is good news. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications from the disease. Manage your diabetes by working with your health care team. Making small lifestyle changes can have a big impact - adopt a healthy diet, be physically active and work to lose weight.

Take control and learn more during National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Happy Halloween from Galveston County Health District

Sweet Treats for EMS

GCHD’s Executive Office staff visited all EMS stations to give the hard-working first responders a Halloween treat.

Enroll now in Health Insurance Marketplace

Enrollment for 2024 Marketplace coverage is now open, and Coastal Health and Wellness' certified application counselors are available to help you understand coverage options and which one will work best for you and your family's needs.

What is Health Insurance Marketplace? It's a place where you can shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. You can compare different plans for coverage and affordability and get answers to questions you may have about your health insurance.

All offered plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions and preventive services including maternity care, mammograms and other care services. You cannot be denied health coverage for having pre-existing conditions including diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

What you pay for Marketplace depends on your income and your savings depend on your expected household income for the year. Navigating the different options can sometimes be overwhelming. That's where Coastal Health & Wellness comes in. Our certified application counselors are here to help walk you through the different plans, what is best for you and help you enroll. Give CHW a call at 409.949.3439 for assistance.

Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1. Enroll Dec. 16-Jan. 15 for coverage that starts Feb. 1.

Learn more about Open Enrollment for 2024 Marketplace.

WIC cooking classes held every Wednesday 

Tips to keep it healthy this holiday season

How do you stick to your healthy eating plan this holiday season when everyone around you seems to be splurging?

Check out these tips that can help:

Holiday-proof your plan: Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady.

Make healthier choices: Have a small plate of all the foods you enjoy. Start with veggies to take the edge off your appetite.

Fit in favorites: No food is on the naughty list. Choose dishes you love, slow down and savor a small serving.

Keep moving: Make time for a walk after your meal to stay active.

Galveston County Health District Holiday Closures