Health and Human Services
Dallas County Health and Human Services provides public health, clinical, housing, financial assistance, disease-control, environmental health, and community support programs for county residents. This article explains the department’s major service areas, identifies which division handles common requests, describes supported eligibility and document requirements, and helps residents avoid delays caused by contacting the wrong program or preparing for the wrong type of service.
Agency Role and Service Scope
Dallas County Health and Human Services, commonly identified as DCHHS, is the county department responsible for a broad range of health and social services. Its work includes direct clinical care, communicable disease prevention, public health surveillance, housing-related assistance, energy assistance, older adult programs, emergency preparedness, and environmental health oversight.
DCHHS is a nationally accredited public health department serving more than 2.6 million Dallas County residents. The department employs public health and social service staff and has participated in the local response to major health threats, including COVID-19, Mpox, Ebola, H1N1, West Nile virus, and Zika virus.
Residents can begin with the Dallas County Health and Human Services homepage. The main site provides access to individual program pages, health information, department updates, clinical services, human services, public health programs, and county contact information.
Some DCHHS programs provide free or low-cost services to qualifying low-income residents. Availability, eligibility rules, required verification, and the type of assistance offered vary by program. A person who qualifies for one service should not assume that the same qualifications apply to another.
Choosing the Right Division
DCHHS programs are divided into several branches. Selecting the correct branch before calling or visiting can reduce transfers and prevent residents from preparing documents for the wrong program.
Clinical Services
Clinical Services handles immunizations, refugee health examinations, sexual health testing and treatment, tuberculosis evaluation, and related medical services. These programs are designed around disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, testing, vaccination, and case management.
Human Services
Human Services administers social support programs such as energy assistance, home loan counseling, housing assistance, older adult services, weatherization, and temporary welfare assistance. These programs may involve household income, age, disability, housing status, medical inability to work, or other program-specific qualifications.
Public Health Services
Public Health Services focuses on community-wide health concerns rather than only individual clinical appointments. Its work includes chronic disease prevention, environmental health, maternal health, emergency preparedness, STI and HIV prevention, injury prevention, mosquito-borne illness surveillance, and public health education.
The DCHHS division directory lists direct numbers for individual programs. Residents with a clearly identified need can use the division number instead of beginning with the main switchboard.
Clinical Services for Residents
The DCHHS Clinical Services section covers several different clinics. Residents should review the page for the specific clinic they need because services, purposes, and contact numbers differ.
Childhood and Adult Immunizations
DCHHS provides immunizations for adults and children. Childhood immunization and well-child services are listed separately from adult and foreign travel immunizations in the department directory. This distinction matters because a family seeking routine childhood vaccines may need a different clinic contact than an adult preparing for international travel.
The department also operates the Vaccines for Children Program. Residents should identify whether they need routine childhood vaccination, adult vaccination, or travel-related vaccination before contacting the department.
Refugee Health Services
Refugee Health Services provides physical examinations, routine vaccinations, and testing services. This clinic is separate from general immunization services, even when a vaccination is part of the visit. Residents seeking refugee health services should use the Refugee Clinic contact rather than assuming that an immunization clinic handles the full examination and testing process.
Sexual Health Care
The Sexual Health Clinic provides HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. It also handles test-result pickup and connections to continuing care. DCHHS operates a Sexual Health Medical Mobile Unit that provides STI screening and testing in areas with high levels of need.
A person seeking testing should distinguish between a clinic visit, mobile-unit screening, treatment, test-result pickup, and linkage to care. These are related services, but the correct next step may depend on whether the person has already been tested or has received a diagnosis.
Tuberculosis Services
The TB Elimination program provides evaluation, treatment, and case management for tuberculosis cases. Tuberculosis services should not be confused with general communicable disease reporting or the Public Health Laboratory. The clinic manages patient evaluation and care, while disease-reporting and laboratory functions support broader surveillance and public health response.
Clinical Payment Assistance
DCHHS directs residents who need help paying for clinical services to its Charity Care Program information. Because the reference material does not describe one payment policy for every clinic, residents should review the payment information connected to the particular clinical service rather than assuming all visits have the same cost or assistance rules.
Human Services Programs
The DCHHS Human Services branch administers programs intended to address health and stability beyond clinical care. Eligibility is program-specific, and some services require proof of income, medical status, age, household composition, or another qualifying condition.
Energy Bill Assistance
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, known as CEAP, helps eligible low-income Dallas County households pay electric and gas bills. The program is intended to improve the safe and efficient use of household energy while reducing the burden of utility costs for qualifying residents.
DCHHS gives priority under CEAP to households with elderly or disabled residents and households that include children age five or younger. Priority does not mean that every household in one of these categories automatically receives assistance. The household must still meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Residents should also avoid confusing CEAP with weatherization assistance. CEAP addresses electric and gas bills, while the Weatherization Assistance Program focuses on household energy usage, safety needs, approved weatherization materials, and qualifying minor repairs.
Home Loan Counseling
The Home Loan Counseling Center works to expand homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income families. Services include homebuyer education, mortgage counseling, and down-payment assistance programs.
The center also assists existing homeowners with reverse mortgage counseling, loss mitigation, foreclosure counseling, and credit counseling. It is a HUD-approved counseling agency, and counseling is available in English and Spanish. The counseling services described by DCHHS are free to anyone interested in homeownership.
Prospective buyers and current homeowners should identify which type of counseling they need. Homebuyer education and down-payment assistance relate to purchasing a home, while foreclosure counseling and loss mitigation are intended for existing homeowners facing mortgage difficulties. Reverse mortgage counseling is another distinct service.
Housing Assistance
The Dallas County Housing Agency offers multiple housing assistance programs designed to serve residents as they move through different housing circumstances, including renting and homeownership. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is listed as a separate division in the department directory.
Residents should not assume that a request for rental assistance, a Housing Choice Voucher matter, homebuyer counseling, or down-payment assistance is handled by the same staff. Although all may relate to housing, they are different programs with different purposes.
Older Adult Services
The Older Adult Services Program serves Dallas County residents age 60 and older. The program provides opportunities for social interaction and greater independence, along with physical and mental fitness activities, health and wellness programming, benefits counseling, community engagement, and social and recreational activities.
The program also connects older adults with county resources and assistance programs. A resident contacting the program should be prepared to explain the type of support being requested, such as benefits counseling, wellness activities, community programs, or another county resource.
Weatherization Assistance
The Weatherization Assistance Program is intended to reduce household energy use, address health and safety needs, and provide qualifying minor home repairs through the installation of approved weatherization materials.
Weatherization is not the same as general home remodeling or unrestricted repair assistance. The work described by DCHHS is tied to energy conservation, health and safety needs, approved materials, and minor repairs within the program’s purpose.
Temporary Welfare Assistance
The DCHHS Welfare Program provides short-term emergency financial assistance to eligible Dallas County residents. It functions as a temporary safety net for indigent residents who are medically unable to work.
Medical and income verification are required at the appointment. Residents seeking this assistance should not arrive without those two categories of verification. The program is temporary and is intended to assist a qualifying resident until the person can return to work or obtain help from another resource.
The medical inability-to-work requirement distinguishes this program from general financial assistance. A person experiencing financial hardship should not assume that hardship alone meets the welfare program’s qualifications.
Wrongful Eviction Prevention
The Wrongful Eviction Prevention Program was established by the Dallas County Commissioners Court in partnership with the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center. The program supports indigent residents facing wrongful evictions by providing legal aid and resources intended to promote compliance with Texas eviction laws and prevent unjust removal.
This program is focused on wrongful eviction matters. It should not be confused with the Housing Choice Voucher Program, general housing assistance, home loan counseling, or utility assistance.
Community Public Health Programs
The DCHHS Public Health Services division works with schools, community organizations, businesses, local governments, healthcare professionals, and residents. Its programs address conditions affecting the health of entire communities as well as resources for specific populations.
Chronic Disease Prevention
The Chronic Disease Prevention Division provides education, screenings, and support programs related to chronic diseases and their risk factors. Its work emphasizes awareness, healthier lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and improved management of existing conditions.
Environmental Health Oversight
The Environmental Health Division monitors and responds to environmental conditions that can affect public health. Its responsibilities include inspections, permits, and enforcement related to food safety, water quality, air pollution, and hazardous materials.
Businesses and residents should direct inspection, permit, food-safety, or environmental hazard questions to Environmental Health rather than to a clinical clinic. Environmental Health may work with regulated businesses and community partners to promote compliance with health requirements.
Maternal Health Support
The Maternal Health Program provides resources, education, and support for expectant parents and new guardians. Its work includes prenatal care support, parenting classes, and referrals to healthcare services intended to promote the well-being of mothers, children, and families.
LGBTQIA+ Health Resources
DCHHS provides health and support information for LGBTQIA+ residents. Topics identified by the department include mental health, healthcare resources, substance use, housing support, and youth services. These resources combine education, prevention information, and connections to support services.
Injury and Substance Use Prevention
The Trauma and Injury Prevention program works to reduce the occurrence and effects of injuries through education and prevention. DCHHS also maintains an Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention program that uses evidence-based education and prevention strategies.
The substance use program provides information about an overdose prevention hotline that connects individuals with treatment and harm-reduction services. It can also assist healthcare providers with treatment information and referrals. The hotline is not an emergency service. A person facing an immediate emergency should call 911.
West Nile Surveillance
DCHHS monitors West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne health threats. Its work includes surveillance of mosquito populations and human cases, mosquito-control activities such as larviciding and adulticiding, and public education about transmission, symptoms, and prevention.
Communicable Disease Control
The Communicable Diseases division provides information about infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Its responsibilities include disease reporting information, public health surveillance, outbreak detection, control measures, vector control, and safety information for public health worker exposures.
Communicable disease reporting serves a different purpose from making a clinical appointment. A clinic evaluates or treats an individual patient, while communicable disease reporting helps public health officials identify patterns, investigate possible outbreaks, and take measures to limit further transmission.
Measles Exposure and Reporting
DCHHS instructs healthcare providers and others to report suspected measles cases by calling the Communicable Disease division at (214) 819-2004. The county’s measles information identifies fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth, and a spreading red rash as possible signs. Symptoms generally appear seven to 14 days after exposure.
The county advises a person who may have been exposed to call a healthcare provider immediately and explain the possible exposure before appearing at a healthcare facility. Advance notice allows the provider to arrange an evaluation that reduces exposure risks for other patients and medical staff.
According to the county information, measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. An infected person can spread the virus beginning four days before the rash appears and continuing for four days afterward.
A healthcare provider determines whether an exposed person is immune and whether an MMR vaccine or immune globulin may be appropriate. The county’s guidance states that a person who is not immune and does not receive vaccine or immune globulin should remain home and isolate for 21 days to avoid exposing others.
DCHHS describes two MMR doses as highly effective at preventing measles. Individual vaccination, exposure, diagnosis, and treatment questions should be addressed with a healthcare provider.
Laboratory and Health Surveillance
The Dallas County Public Health Laboratory supports the prevention, surveillance, control, and diagnosis of communicable diseases and emerging biological threats.
Laboratory Service Units
The laboratory includes several specialized units. Its Safety and Preparedness Unit addresses laboratory safety, compliance, and emergency readiness. The LRN-B Unit supports rapid detection of biological threats. The Immunology and Virology Unit performs serological and molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases.
The Chemistry Unit performs chemical analyses, including work supporting opioid biosurveillance. The Microbiology Unit performs infectious disease testing and monitors antimicrobial resistance. The Genome Sequencing Unit supports outbreak investigations and public health surveillance through advanced sequencing.
The Laboratory Information Systems Unit manages laboratory data systems and interfaces. The laboratory also maintains a Client Services Manual with information about available testing and specimen guidelines. The laboratory’s role should not be confused with a walk-in clinical service unless a DCHHS program specifically directs a resident or provider to it.
Health Advisories and Reports
DCHHS publishes health advisories, data, and reports concerning diseases, prevalence, prevention, and control. These materials support public awareness and help public health officials plan interventions and allocate resources.
Residents checking a developing public health issue should use current DCHHS advisories rather than relying only on older announcements. Disease activity, recommendations, and response information may change as new surveillance information becomes available.
Emergency Preparedness Programs
DCHHS develops public health emergency response plans, trains healthcare providers and first responders, coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies, and conducts drills and exercises. This work supports the county’s response to disease outbreaks, disasters, and other threats affecting public health.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps recruits licensed medical volunteers and nonmedical volunteers. Its purpose is to supplement public health and medical response during emergencies in Dallas County.
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers may support health fairs, immunization clinics, vaccination campaigns, epidemiology teams during disease outbreaks, and community health education. Volunteers also train to help establish temporary emergency clinics, distribute antibiotics, vaccines, or other medications, and support emergency medical operations at mass shelters.
The program works with emergency response agencies and medical and mental health communities. It also coordinates with Medical Reserve Corps units in Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties when emergency plans require sharing volunteers.
Preparing for DCHHS Services
Preparation depends on the program. DCHHS does not use one universal application or document list for every clinical, public health, housing, and assistance service.
Identify the Service Category
First determine whether the request concerns clinical treatment, public health reporting, social assistance, housing, environmental regulation, laboratory work, or emergency preparedness. For example, an STI test belongs with Clinical Services, while community STI prevention and outreach fall under Public Health Services.
Review Program Requirements
Read the page for the specific program before calling or visiting. The Welfare Program expressly requires medical and income verification at the appointment. CEAP is limited to eligible low-income households and gives priority to certain household categories. Older Adult Services is intended for residents age 60 and older.
Do not apply one program’s requirements to another. Medical and income verification for welfare assistance does not establish eligibility for energy assistance, housing assistance, or weatherization.
Use the Direct Division Number
The DCHHS directory provides direct contacts for immunizations, communicable disease reporting, environmental health, energy assistance, housing, older adult services, the refugee clinic, the Sexual Health Clinic, tuberculosis services, weatherization, and welfare assistance.
The main switchboard remains useful when the correct division is uncertain. Residents who already know the program name may receive a more direct response by calling that division.
Separate County and City Programs
The DCHHS contact directory identifies WIC as a City of Dallas service. Residents should not assume that every health or nutrition program appearing in the county directory is administered by Dallas County. Confirming the responsible government office can prevent applications, records, or questions from being sent to the wrong agency.
Common Service Mistakes
Confusing CEAP and Weatherization
CEAP helps eligible households with electric and gas bills. Weatherization addresses energy usage, health and safety needs, approved weatherization materials, and qualifying minor repairs. A resident seeking utility payment assistance should not request a home weatherization service as though the programs were interchangeable.
Using the Wrong Clinic
Childhood immunizations, adult and travel immunizations, refugee health services, sexual health care, and tuberculosis services have separate purposes and contacts. Calling the correct clinic is particularly useful when a resident needs test results, treatment, travel vaccination, or case management rather than a routine vaccine.
Assuming Automatic Eligibility
Low income may be relevant to several programs, but it is not the only condition described for every service. The Welfare Program requires medical inability to work and supporting medical and income verification. Older Adult Services has an age requirement. CEAP uses household eligibility rules and program priorities.
Arriving Without Verification
Residents seeking temporary welfare assistance should prepare the required medical and income verification before the appointment. Missing either category may prevent the department from evaluating the request based on the stated program requirements.
Treating Reporting as Treatment
Communicable disease reporting, laboratory testing, public health surveillance, and individual clinical treatment are separate functions. Reporting a suspected disease to public health authorities does not replace contacting a healthcare provider for personal medical evaluation.
Records and Media Requests
The DCHHS Community Outreach, Media, and Communications team handles media inquiries and records requests during regular business hours. The department states that it responds in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and considers the interests of Dallas County residents, staff, and the department.
A person seeking personal clinical information, a public health report, a general county record, or a media response should clearly identify the type of material being requested. These requests may involve different staff and should not automatically be directed to a clinic or assistance-program caseworker.
Department and Office List
Dallas County Health and Human Services — 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207 — 214-819-2000
Public Health Laboratory — 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 017, Dallas, TX 75207 — (214) 819-1950
Medical Reserve Corps / Public Health Preparedness — 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, 4th Floor, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75207 — (214) 819-1922
Health and Human Services FAQs
Can healthcare providers use DCHHS disease resources?
Yes. Healthcare professionals can use the county’s communicable disease information to review reporting guidance, disease details, vector-control information, and workplace exposure precautions. Providers who need laboratory support should consult the Public Health Laboratory’s client guidance for available testing and specimen requirements. These resources support public health reporting and surveillance; they do not replace the provider’s own clinical evaluation or treatment decisions.
Where can residents check current public health warnings?
The county publishes official health notices through its health advisories, data, and reports page. Residents can use this section to review information about disease activity, prevention measures, and public health conditions affecting Dallas County. Because guidance can change during an outbreak or emergency, check the publication date and rely on the newest county notice rather than an older announcement saved elsewhere.
Are any DCHHS services available in Spanish?
Some programs specifically identify bilingual assistance. Home Loan Counseling services are offered in English and Spanish, including education and counseling for prospective buyers and current homeowners. The county’s overdose prevention service also provides assistance in both languages. Language availability may differ across clinics and programs, so review the official program page before completing forms or arranging services.
Can nonmedical residents volunteer for emergency response?
Yes. The Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps accepts both licensed medical professionals and volunteers without medical credentials. Nonmedical volunteers may train to assist with temporary emergency clinics, mass medication or vaccination operations, public health education, and shelter-related response activities. Applicants should review the county’s Medical Reserve Corps overview for membership requirements and volunteer expectations.