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leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Leah Barton
@leahbartonkim.bsky.social
350 followers 500 following 200 posts
Here for Houston & Harris County. Public health. Team @davidyoungsoo; one kid, one cat.
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leahbartonkim.bsky.social
And so it begins!
Three pizza parlor employees, one in Carrasco Jersey, watch the Mexican national anthem as the World Cup opens
June 11, 2026 at 8:21 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
A beautiful day to open the Hill at Sims Bayou, a terrific new resource for Sunnyside and the region
Overlook atop the Hill at Sims People walking up the hill on a wide paved path through the grass. Inscription on walkway: “This hill stands where humanity meets nature, a beacon of resilience for all to enjoy. Rodney Ellis” Commissioner Rodney Ellis holds today’s Houston Chronicle, with the Hill at Sims on front page I’m standing with six members of our Harris County Public Health violence prevention team in purple polos (community-based violence interrupters and alternative first responders), in front of grassy parkland and Sims Bayou
May 30, 2026 at 9:19 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Y’all. I am SO EXCITED about the new JOINT Harris County Public Health / Houston Health Department data hub. Behold this one-stop-shop for reports and dashboards published by both departments:
publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Media/Report...

#collaboration #publichealth
Phone screenshot of joint Houston - Harris County Public Health Reporting portal, including Harris County Public Health and Houston Health Department logos and filters for major categories of reports and dashboards: Chronic Disease Community Health Assessments and Strategic Planning Environmental Health and Climate Impacts Infectious Diseases and Emerging Threats Injury and Violence Prevention Maternal and Child Health Description at bottom: In this data hub, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the Houston Health Department (HHD) are making our health reports and dashboards more accessible.
April 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
New Baby, New Chapter! Great turnout for this weekend’s community baby shower featuring education, resources, community closet, CPR practice, games, and more. #maternalhealth
Welcome to the community baby shower! Pink and purple balloons and backdrop under slide advertising lactation room in English and Spanish Dads race to safely diaper, clothe, and transport a babydoll Outreach workers share information about Harris County Public Health WIC, coordinated care, maternal health, and Healthy Start programs Always a joy to run into Third Ward genealogist and historian Dolores Rodgers!
January 21, 2026 at 1:18 AM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
New World screwworm, dangerous to livestock and other animals, has been slowly moving north. USDA is working closely with Mexico and Central American governments on surveillance and control, including via sterile insect technique. #onehealth #publichealth
texasstandard.bsky.social Texas Standard @texasstandard.bsky.social · Jan 5
Mexican officials have confirmed New World screwworm was identified at the end of December in a six-day-old calf in Mexican state of Tamaulipas — 197 miles from the border.

This marks the first reported case in Tamaulipas and the northernmost active detection.
New case of New World screwworm reported less than 200 miles from the Texas-Mexico border
The flesh-eating larval parasite has been found across Central America and Mexico but was eradicated from the United States decades ago. It’s considered a threat to livestock, pets and wildlife.
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 1:25 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
A happy new year from this cutie, who has no business being here on January 1st! Harris County Public Health also identified West Nile Virus in three mosquito pools this week - the latest ever.
Fat monarch caterpillar munches (and poops, sorry) on giant milkweed
January 2, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Reposted by Leah Barton
harriscojudge.bsky.social
Judge Lina Hidalgo was thrilled to attend the last Wellness on Wheels Event hosted by Harris County Public Health. These mobile events provide our community with opportunities to access breast and cervical cancer screenings, vaccines, dental screenings, and receive referrals to health services.
December 15, 2025 at 10:47 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Car just drove by blasting Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” loud enough to be heard inside our house and that’s the energy I’m wishing you to close out the week 🚀
November 21, 2025 at 12:47 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
stuck behind a train under the watchful eyes of the presidents
#hiwi
view from a stopped car: a line of tank cars under an overpass next to David Adickes’s large white sculptures of president heads behind a vine-covered fence
September 25, 2025 at 10:45 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Harris County’s Domestic Violence Assistance Fund, administered by HCDVCC in partnership with Harris County Public Health, offers flexible financial assistance through 19 partner agencies.

The 2024 Annual Report highlights successes:
www.hcdvcc.org/wp-content/u...
Flyer with program highlights: 2024 Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) Executive Summary Background The Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF), administered by the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC), was created in response to growing safety and stability concerns for survivors of domestic violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Harris County Commissioners Court, DVAF offers flexible financial support to help survivors address urgent needs, avoid homelessness, and rebuild their lives. Launched in 2020 and funded initially through CARES and ARPA, DVAF has evolved into a county-funded line item, establishing a model of long-term investment in survivor safety. HCDVCC partners with 19 community organizations to distribute funds across all four precincts in Harris County. Key Results (2023-2024) • 2,558 Households Served - 7,317 Individuals reached, including 4,398 children • 59% of those served were children under 18 • 96% of adult survivors were women; 33% identified as Hispanic • Top Needs Met: food/basic needs (20%), rental assistance (17%), daily living expenses (17%) • 50% of survivors had no reported income; 20% experienced homelessness Flexible, Survivor-Defined Support DVAF's flexible emergency assistance model allows survivors to receive support directly via gift cards, checks, or ACH payments. This flexibility empowers survivors to determine how best to meet their own safety and stability needs-whether it is paying rent, repairing a vehicle, or purchasing medication. • 46% of all 2024 DVAF disbursements were in the form of gift cards • Support included: transportation, childcare, utilities, safety tools, legal fees, and moving costs "We are safe - this program helps make it safer for our children in our own way." - Survivor Back of flyer on purple tablecloth: Impact Beyond Immediate Needs DVAF funding has contributed to: •Increased safety via housing support, legal assistance, and protective tools •Improved trust between survivors and advocates •Reduced advocate burnout by offering quick, meaningful ways to assist •Expanded organizational capacity of grassroots and culturally specific providers Innovation and Integration The Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRI: HCDVCC's DVHRT integrated DVAF to help prioritize survivors at risk of homicide by offering housing, safety planning, and financial assistance. Neurofeedback Initiative: Launched with DVAF support, this trauma-regulation program provides nontraditional mental health support. Over 200 sessions have shown improvements in emotional regulation and wellbeing. Harm Reduction/Violence Prevention Program: This pilot project served 31 IPV offenders. Only 6.5% reoffended vs. a national average of 40-50%, showing early signs of success in reducing violence and recidivism. Lessons Learned and Leadership The DVAF model has highlighted the importance of reducing administrative burdens, building infrastructure, and investing in community-based and culturally specific providers. HCDVCC has helped partners overcome barriers by streamlining reimbursement and providing tools and mentorship. A National Model of Survivor-Centered Care DVAF has been recognized nationally for its equity-centered and trauma-informed approach. A recent case study was featured by the National Safe Housing Alliance and shared with key federal agencies. "If I had known this kind of help was available, I would have left a long time ago." - Survivor Join us in building a safer, stronger Harris County Dr Leila Wood from UTHealth shares DVAF evaluation approach and initial results Advocate video testimonials describe the impact of DVAF on staff: empowering case managers to find creative solutions for survivors
September 23, 2025 at 7:39 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
some professional news, as they say:
harriscountyoca.bsky.social Office of County Administration @harriscountyoca.bsky.social · Sep 2
We're thrilled to congratulate Leah Barton on her new role as Executive Director at Harris County Public Health (@hcphtx.bsky.social)!

Leah was a key part of our team as Deputy County Administrator and in her role as Director of the Grants & Partnerships Division.

#HarrisCounty #HCPH #PublicHealth
September 3, 2025 at 12:29 AM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
The HAY Center campus is officially open! With a wraparound services building for life skills classes, counseling, and other supports plus 50 affordable apartments, the campus will support more than 1,000 youth aging out of foster care each year.
August 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Harris County Public Health is OUT AND ABOUT this weekend:
💉Spring Branch immunizations
🩺 Burnett Bayland sports physicals
👩🏽‍⚕️ Sheldon Health Hub Open House
🐾 Petco Love Mega Adoption event
🚙 HART alternative first responders expanding into HCSO District V
August 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Harris County Public Health fourth annual violence prevention conference underway, featuring case studies and credible messenger certification tracks 🧡

Hot topic: how to sustain progress as COVID funding expires and families face upcoming reduction in food, healthcare access, and other resources?
Day 1 agenda includes bio of keynote speaker Dr Lance Williams as well as sessions on credible messengers, domestic violence, and community-based transformation Dr Lance Williams speaks from the stage Day 2 agenda features bio for keynote speaker David Muhammad and sessions on communication, faith in action, case management, safe gun storage, and more Attendees listen across ballroom decorated in purple and orange
July 30, 2025 at 4:41 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Always a blast to walk the pride parade with St Paul’s UMC 🌈
Marchers in colorful tshirts in front of a sparkly rainbow Jerusalem cross float Pickup truck with rainbow banners and a dayglo poster “this is the gay that the lord has made” (rejoice and be glad in it!) Float heads into downtown Houston to start the parade Rainbow y’all means all banner at back
June 29, 2025 at 6:13 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
How can we make sure as many people are prepared for disasters as possible? Harris County Public Health has formed community-based resilience teams to help share information and build connections to resources. East and Central African community asset mapping underway today:
East African community members discuss around a table Google map displays community assets
June 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Every five years, Harris County (via @readyharris.bsky.social)
prepares a hazard mitigation plan in partnership with dozens of local jurisdictions. New this year: including public health emergency as a critical hazard. Read and comment on the latest version:

www.readyharris.org/Contact/Miti...
Ready Harris
www.readyharris.org
June 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Harris County Pets is closed to the public for a deep clean today; over 40 volunteers are coming by to take animals outside while staff scrub everything from floor drains to ceiling vents! These kittens will have a cleaner home but they’d rather be home with you :) www.countypets.com #publichealth
June 26, 2025 at 2:35 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Learning from local and national experts at today’s “Preventing Firearm Injury Through Purpose and Policy 2025” conference at Rice U’s Baker Institute

www.bakerinstitute.org/event/preven... #publichealth
Mosaic above Baker Institute entrance highlights aspiration to be “A bridge between the world of ideas and the world of action” Panelists on a podium in front of green Baker Institute backdrop; many attendees in orange, the color of gun violence prevention
June 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
pew pencils got a glow-up this morning
Rainbow pencils in wooden back-of-pew pocket flank registration cards. One pencil says “St. Paul’s UMC Houston”; other says “All are welcome here!”
June 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Happy Harris County Bike-to-Work Day!

Changes since last year:
- Drivers stopped at 11th, Heights, and White Oak crossings 👍
- Spring St trail closed, new Pinckney St connector under construction (thanks @harriscopct2.bsky.social)
- I-10 White Oak Bayou project in full swing
May 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Pope Leo has Koussevitsky running through my head: “the next Beethoven will from Colorado come.” Not at all the same thing but that’s the earworm.
May 8, 2025 at 6:20 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Proud of Harris County Public Health team sharing knowledge at #PrepSummit25

Featured:
- Communications to improve child health, including child care engagement and vaccination campaigns in six languages
- Hospital data analysis showing who was impacted where and how by Hurricane Beryl
Smiling public health experts showcase colorful “Improving Health Outcomes in Young Children” poster Epidemiologist describes demographics, geography, and injury types seen in post-storm analysis
May 2, 2025 at 2:11 AM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Who’s at NACCHO Preparedness Summit? Come say hi.

Listening to presentations from states on data sharing projects with Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response reinforces the need to maintain ASPR functionality as HHS rolls it under CDC.

Fiesta pic from last night for attention 🌺
April 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
This is adorable. Urban (coed!) version could work for a neighborhood, housing complex, or house of worship.
April 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM