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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
No Sunnyside trip is complete without a stop at BFK
Plate of catfish, greens, cornbread, and gumbo and another of catfish and grits, on the table at Butter Funk Kitchen
May 30, 2026 at 9:28 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
More pics! A must-visit
Views from the top into the med center and downtown Houston Congressman Al Green climbs steps to the lookout Features throughout the park are named for notable community members whose names should not be lost to history. Here, the “Eldrewey Stearns Hilltop Scramble” recognizes the student organizer who helped integrate Houston restaurants (watch “The Strange Demise of Jim Crow” or read “No Color is my Kind” to learn more). Kid in red tshirt scrambles down the scramble (stairway of cream-colored blocks through the greenspace)
May 30, 2026 at 9:26 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
Thanks for spreading the word! Positive samples have already been found across the County this year:
Harris County Public Health dashboard showing locations where mosquitoes carrying WNV have been identified in 2026
April 25, 2026 at 8:54 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
In Harris County, accessibility requires simultaneous interpretation with headsets for attendees
Speaker and interpreter give game instructions in English and Spanish
January 21, 2026 at 1:21 AM
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
This one? (www.nytimes.com/interactive/...)
Hartford and points SW in Yankee Nation (gray)
January 21, 2026 at 1:03 AM
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
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
Came here looking for a Foxon Park reference (which is delicious)
Clear soda bottle full of CT’s best (foxon park white birch)
December 14, 2025 at 7:47 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
Youth were very involved in the initial design, including requesting a mini library which @harriscountypl.bsky.social happily stocked!
Library leaders hold books in front of light colored wood shelves, large windows, a ping pong table, and a circle of chairs
August 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
This project is also a terrific example of braided funding, with local funds from Harris County, federal funds via Harris County and the City of Houston, philanthropic funding, and private in-kind contributions coming together to make it possible.
Press conference in the main lobby - people gathered around elected officials, county staff, and former foster youth
August 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM
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
Mega Adoption event continues this afternoon til 5 and tomorrow 10 am - 5 pm at NRG arena; very easy adoptions and free parking (entry off 610 feeder just west of Fannin).

I can personally vouch for this very good boy:
yours truly wearing purple Petco love T-shirt and holding 5 mo very adorable dog in front of line of crates
August 9, 2025 at 8:05 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
Not a cat person? No problem! Your faithful companion is waiting:
Fluffy white dog with alert ears needs a good home Inquisitive brown and white dog wonders if you are their new owner Black and brown dog waits patiently in kennel for a good home
June 26, 2025 at 2:43 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
Together we can end gun violence! #wearorange
Harris County Public Health hospital-based violence interruption specialists, community-based outreach specialists, and violence prevention team leadership proudly wear orange tshirts in recognition of gun violence prevention month and their RELENTLESS work on the RISE (Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone) team
June 6, 2025 at 7:28 PM
leahbartonkim.bsky.social
This week, HCPH also opened the RISE Empowerment Center, a new hub for violence prevention services. Violence interrupters build relationships across the community, helping potential perpetrators of and survivors of gun violence access healing, mediation, and support.

cw39.com/news/local/h...
Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez & Asst Chief Suarez, and Harris County Public Health leaders celebrate the RISE opening
June 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM