TARRANT COUNTY, TX
Public Health
May 16, 2024
Health Data: A Valuable Resource
One of the many functions of public health is to collect and analyze health data. Data gathering helps us not only take care of Tarrant County, but enables our partner organizations, other public health departments as well as state and national agencies to take measures which combat and hopefully minimize any disease outbreak. Collecting health data is a significant team effort that includes collaboration between multiple entities such as public health, hospitals, state agencies and many more.
For instance, if even a few cases of pertussis (whooping cough) are reported, our epidemiology staff would analyze information previously collected about pertussis in Tarrant County. Perhaps they may discover pertussis has previously increased around the same time of year. This historical information, added to the information we collect from the current cases, provides our epidemiologists with some valuable background which can help determine the why, how, where, when and other factors indicating if these are simply isolated cases, or a potential outbreak.
We also have partnerships with other local, state and federal agencies that help us determine if this is a local issue isolated to Tarrant County or part of a greater outbreak.
Data are not only for other organizations and departments, but can also be used to help all of us make the best, informed decision for our health. We have plenty of data related to chronic and infectious diseases, leading causes of death, maternal and child health issues, and so much more, and it's all here on our Health Data and Information webpage.
Related to that, we also have a Health Alert Network (HAN) that provides official health and safety alerts from Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH). If you live, work or go to school in Tarrant County, the TCPH HAN can provide accurate, actionable information when local disasters or emergencies occur – and it’s completely free . You can choose what type of alerts you would like and how you want to receive them. Learn more about the TCPH HAN.
Here's to a healthy springtime.
Tom Stallings
Interim Director, Tarrant County Public Health