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GCHD to offer free flu vaccines Dec. 6 

Vaccines available while supplies last

Galveston County Health District will offer free flu vaccines at its immunization clinic on Dec. 6, while supplies last.

Vaccines will be available at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, in Texas City from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. for anyone ages 6 months and older. Walk-ins are welcome and insurance is not required.

“There’s still time if you haven’t already received your flu vaccine,” said Director of Community Health Services Ashley Sciba, MPH, BSN, RN. “This year’s flu season has been extremely busy. This free clinic is a way for us to make vaccine available to the community at no cost, while supplies last.”

The free flu vaccine clinic coincides with National Influenza Vaccination Week, observed Dec. 5-9 as a time to remind everyone ages 6 months and older to get their flu vaccine. Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the vaccination process sooner as the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups including those age 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. Health care workers and others who live with or care for high-risk people should also get vaccinated to keep from spreading the flu to them. 

Flu vaccine forms for pediatric and adult clients will be available in the immunizations clinic on Dec. 6. Adults ages 19 and older can also print and fill out the flu vaccine forms ahead and time and bring them during your visit.

GCHD, CHW, GAAA, ARC employees honored for service

We were honored to recognize employees Dec. 2 for their dedicated service to Galveston County Health District, Coastal Health & Wellness, Galveston Area Ambulance Authority and the Galveston County Animal Resource Center.

Service award recipients included:
5 years - Melissa Aldape, Heather Armenoff, Erika Cardona, Ami Cotharn, Jeanette Moody, Jason Moore, Ingrid Negrini, Pamela Parr, Margarita Perez, Dahnia Rees, Bryce Rickert, Cecilia Rodriguez, Carolina Urbina and Rebecca Wilson

10 years - Sherri Bradley, Jonathan Burns, Deimy Cruces, Jamie Johnson, Dr. Bang Nguyen, Lilia Saenz, Angela Villarreal and Brandon Wallace

15 years - Jeffrey Cowley, Richard Pierce and Alex Strange, Jr.

25 years - Gina James, Wendy Jones, Jennifer Peebler and Amy Weber

Don't wait to sign up for Marketplace Insurance

In need of affordable health insurance for you and your family? You've still got time to sign up for coverage through Marketplace Insurance. You can enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1.

If you don't have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage.

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

The certified application counselors at Coastal Health & Wellness stand ready to assist Galveston County residents apply for coverage in the 2023 Marketplace. Give us a call at 409.949.3439 for assistance.

Learn more about Open Enrollment for 2023 Marketplace.

ARC celebrates Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

Galveston County Animal Resource Center celebrated Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 5-11. We want to share a heartfelt thank you to all our staff, volunteers and fosters. We couldn't do this without you!

World AIDS Day: Honoring the Past with a Vision for Tomorrow

Galveston County Health District hosted two community outreach events to recognize and honor World AIDS Day, Dec. 1.

Events were held in Galveston and Texas City and included free HIV and Syphilis testing, same-day PrEP referrals, free flu, COVID-19 and monkeypox vaccines, free health screenings and community partners including UTMB Adult Specialty Clinic, UTMB SCAETC, ACCT, Galveston Specialty Pharmacy and Gulf Coast Center. 

HEAL Cooking Corner: Chicken Pot Pie with Phyllo

There is nothing more comforting than chicken and veggies in a lusciously thick sauce topped with a flaky crust. The earthy aroma of this dish will fill your kitchen and call everyone to dinner. The secret to this ultimate comfort food? By using butter-flavored spray and phyllo dough we slash all the saturated fat and calories found in a typical pie crust topping. The phyllo dough topping is infinitely more interesting than a standard crust.

Complete your Community Health Needs Assessment survey!

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.

Diabetes 101: Join us for type 2 discussion

Galveston County Health District is excited to bring back its type 2 diabetes community education class with the next class set for Dec. 12.

Join us and hear from our public health nurses as they talk about diabetes, including tips for managing and living with diabetes, why monitoring your blood glucose levels is important, laboratory monitoring and feelings you may have after a recent diabetes diagnosis.

Classes are held 5-6 p.m. at the health district, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, WIC classroom, in Texas City. No registration is required.