Overview

Community Health Needs Assessment Purpose and Goals

This document aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current health situation in
Harris, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties in Texas, USA. The assessment will examine the
various health issues and concerns present in the region, such as the prevalence of chronic
illnesses, the accessibility of healthcare services, and residents' overall health and wellness. By
identifying the areas of need and opportunities for improvement in the healthcare system, we can
work towards developing effective strategies to address these challenges.
We will also evaluate the availability and accessibility of healthcare resources in the region. This
includes assessing the number and quality of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and
the medical expertise and resources available to residents. Through this evaluation, we hope
better to understand the current state of healthcare in the region and identify potential gaps in
services and resources.
The assessment will also consider other factors that may impact the health and wellness of
residents in these counties, such as educational attainment, transportation, and financial stability.
For example, we will examine the educational resources available to residents, including the
number and quality of schools, the level of access to academic and vocational training, and
opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth. We will also examine the means of
transportation available to residents, including public transportation options, the availability of
affordable car insurance, and the overall accessibility of transportation to healthcare services.
We will also examine the financial stability of residents in the region, including employment
rates, income levels, and the availability of affordable housing. We recognize that financial
stability is a crucial determinant of health, and we will examine how financial insecurity may
impact the overall health and wellness of residents in these counties.
Through a detailed analysis of these various factors, we hope to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the current health situation in Harris, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties, as
well as the critical areas of need and opportunities for improvement. By identifying these areas,
we can work towards developing effective strategies and initiatives to improve the overall health
and wellness of residents in these communities.
Areas of Focus
This community health needs assessment covers a wide range of topics related to health and
well-being in Harris, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties. These topics include:
● Religion
● Family
● Language
● Food
● Culture Traditions
 ● Gender Values
o Male vs. Female
● Natural Family Planning
● Elderly are Valued
● Ethnomedical Practices
● Leading Cause of Disease
o obesity, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, stroke, cancer
● Emergency healthcare and Police intervention
● Tobacco Use
● Alcohol and substance use
● Transportation
● Geographic location in community (Mapping to resources)
● Finances-employment
● Education attainment
● Health care resources
● Educational Resources
● Dietary practices
● Groceries, how much money is spent on food and food insecurity
● Living conditions
● Means of Support
o Family, friends, government, financial
o Daycare
o Healthcare Accessibility
▪ Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance, ACA
o STIs/STDs
o Mental Health
o Disabilities
o Safety Issues
o Dental Health

Emergency Healthcare and Police Intervention

Harris County is a densely populated area in Texas with a significant number of residents
needing emergency health care services. To cater to these needs, the Harris Health System and
Memorial Hermann Health System are two healthcare providers that offer emergency care
services to the residents of Harris County. The Harris Health System is a publicly funded
community health system that provides affordable and accessible healthcare services to the
residents of Harris County. It operates 19 community health centers, including 8 school-based
clinics and two hospitals. Memorial Hermann Health System, on the other hand, is a private,
non-profit health system with 17 hospitals, including a level 1 trauma center and numerous
specialty programs and services. Together, these two healthcare providers offer comprehensive
emergency healthcare services to the residents of Harris County.
Montgomery County is another area in Texas with a significant population needing emergency
health care services. To cater to these needs, CHI St. Luke's Health and Texas Children's Hospital
are two healthcare providers that offer emergency care services to the residents of Montgomery
County. CHI St. Luke's Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, with a network of
hospitals, emergency centers, and clinics. It has a level 1 trauma center and provides emergency
services, including stroke care, cardiac care, and trauma care. Texas Children's Hospital is a
pediatric hospital that provides specialized care to children with complex medical conditions. It
has a level 1 pediatric trauma center and provides various emergency services, including critical
care transport and pediatric emergency care. Together, these two healthcare providers offer
comprehensive emergency healthcare services to the residents of Montgomery County.

San Jacinto County is a rural area in Texas with a relatively small population. However, the need
for emergency health care services is still significant. To cater to these needs, CHI St. Luke's
Health and Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital are two healthcare providers that offer
emergency care services to the residents of San Jacinto County. CHI St. Luke's Health is a
leading healthcare provider in the region, with a network of hospitals, emergency centers, and
clinics. It has a level 1 trauma center and provides emergency services, including stroke care,
cardiac care, and trauma care. Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital is a general medical and
surgical hospital that provides various services, including emergency care. It has a team of highly
skilled physicians and nurses, as well as advanced technology and equipment, to provide the best
possible emergency health care services to the residents of San Jacinto County.

Tobacco Use

San Jacinto County

No specific data is available. However, it is worth noting that smoking rates tend to be higher in
rural areas compared to urban areas.

Harris County

According to the 2019 BRFSS data, 14.1% of Harris County adults reported smoking cigarettes.
This is a concerning trend, as smoking has been linked to numerous health issues, including lung
cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, smoking can harm the environment and those
around the smoker through secondhand smoke exposure.

Montgomery County

According to the 2019 BRFSS data, 13.8% of Montgomery County adults reported smoking
cigarettes. While this is slightly lower than the smoking rate in Harris County, a significant
number of individuals are at risk for the health consequences of smoking. Therefore, it is crucial
to continue promoting smoking cessation programs and education to reduce these rates and
improve overall public health outcomes in the area.

Alcohol and Substance Use

Harris County has a reported binge drinking rate of 18.9% based on the 2019 BRFSS data. This
rate is higher than Montgomery County's, where 17.3% of adults admitted to binge drinking in
the past 30 days. Meanwhile, San Jacinto County had the lowest reported rate of binge drinking
at 16.6%. It is worth noting that binge drinking is a serious health concern that can lead to a
range of adverse outcomes, including liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and accidents.
Additionally, binge drinking can exacerbate existing health conditions and negatively impact
mental health. Therefore, individuals must be mindful of their alcohol consumption and seek
help if needed.

Opioid misuse has become a significant public health issue in Montgomery County, affecting
heroin usage and abuse of various prescribed medications. This is a growing problem in the
county, as evidenced by the more than quadrupled number of emergency room visits related to
heroin between 2009 and 2014. The increasing prevalence of opioid misuse presents a significant
challenge to the county's public health, as it often leads to addiction and other serious health
risks. Despite the alarming increase in heroin-related ER visits, it is worth noting that
Montgomery County still has the second-lowest rate of such visits in the state. This can be
attributed to the county's efforts in raising awareness and supporting those struggling with
addiction. However, the county still has a long way to go in addressing this issue, and more
needs to be done to prevent and treat opioid misuse. This includes implementing comprehensive
prevention and treatment programs, increasing access to resources and support, and working
closely with the community to create a safer and healthier environment.

Transportation

The three counties of Harris, Montgomery, and San Jacinto in Texas face various health
concerns, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, stroke, and cancer. In addition to
this, the presentation covers other health issues and concerns specific to each county. The
Department of Transportation ensures mobility for elders and people with disabilities in all
counties, and all county buses are free for seniors and people with disabilities. For instance, the
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) offers various transportation services
such as local buses, light rail, and park-and-ride. The Woodlands Express is a commuter bus
service that provides transportation from The Woodlands and other areas of Montgomery County
to major employment centers in Houston. The San Jacinto County Transit provides public
transportation services throughout San Jacinto County.

Geographic Location in the Community

In a community needs assessment survey in 2023, mapping the geographic location of Harris,
Montgomery, and San Jacinto counties can help identify available resources and potential gaps in
services across these counties. This information can help ensure that resources are distributed
equitably within each county and region so that all residents have access to the services they
need to thrive.

Examples of resources that can be mapped:

● Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and primary care providers

● Emergency services, such as fire stations, police departments, and ambulance services
● Schools and educational facilities, including colleges and vocational training centers
● Community centers, parks, and recreational facilities
● Public transportation hubs, including airports, bus stations, and train stations
● Cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries, and theaters
● Social service agencies, such as food banks, shelters, and counseling services
● Housing options, including affordable and subsidized housing
● Business and economic development zones
● Environmental resources, such as parks, green spaces, and waterways

Mapping these resources can help identify areas where there may be a need for additional
services or resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing between the
counties. Additionally, this information can be used to develop targeted strategies and programs
to address the unique needs of each county and its residents in 2023 and beyond. Finally, by
collaborating on a regional community needs assessment, the three counties can work together to
address common challenges and achieve shared goals.

Finances and Employment

The financial sector plays a vital role in the economy of Harris, Montgomery, and San Jacinto
counties. It provides a range of job opportunities for the workforce, from entry-level positions to
high-skilled jobs that require specialized training. The financial sector has been a significant
contributor to economic growth in the region. It has added 10,300 jobs over the past year, a 6.0%
local rate of job growth compared to the national gain of 1.9%. Moreover, the financial sector
provides valuable insights into the financial well-being of individuals and businesses in the
region. Monitoring the financial activities of people and organizations helps assess the
community's financial health. This information is critical for policymakers, financial institutions,
and businesses who use it to make informed decisions and develop targeted strategies.

In Harris County, the financial sector has added 5,200 jobs over the past year, contributing to a
5.4% increase in total employment. Montgomery County has added 2,800 jobs over the past
year, contributing to a 4.6% increase in total employment. San Jacinto County has added 500
jobs over the past year, contributing to a 3.2% increase in total employment. The financial sector
is a significant component of the local economy, providing job opportunities, supporting
economic growth, and offering valuable insights into the financial well-being of individuals and
businesses in the region.

Education

Attainment

According to data from the US Census Bureau, Montgomery County, Harris County, and San
Jacinto County have high percentages of individuals with a high school diploma or higher, with
Montgomery County having the highest percentage of individuals with a bachelor's degree or
higher. This indicates that the residents of these counties value education and are committed to
furthering their education beyond high school. The vision for educational attainment in these
counties is to provide access to high-quality education that prepares individuals for success in the
workforce and life. This includes both academic and vocational training, as well as opportunities
for lifelong learning and personal growth. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills and
knowledge they need to succeed in their careers and to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Resources

San Jacinto County, Northern Harris County, and East Montgomery County all have various
educational resources available to residents. San Jacinto County has four districts, 12 private
schools, 24 public schools, and two public libraries. Northern Harris County has 26 school
districts, 275 private schools, 1,066 public schools that might cover the county, and 73 public
libraries in or near the county. East Montgomery County has nine school districts, 30 private
schools in or near the county, 141 public schools that might cover the county, and seven public
libraries in or near the county.

Education resources in these counties aim to provide access to high-quality education for all
individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes opportunities for
academic and vocational training and resources for lifelong learning and personal growth. The
goal is to ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their
socioeconomic status or other factors that might limit their opportunities.

The residents of Montgomery County, Harris County, and San Jacinto County have a solid
commitment to education and have access to various resources to support their educational goals.
The overarching goal for educational attainment in these counties is to provide access to
high-quality education that prepares individuals for success in their careers and personal lives.
This includes academic and vocational training and opportunities for lifelong learning and
personal growth. In addition, the education resources available in these counties aim to provide
equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, to ensure
that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.
 Healthcare

Healthcare Accessibility in Harris, Montgomery, and San Jacinto Counties, Texas

Access to quality healthcare is critical for maintaining good health and well-being. In Harris,
Montgomery, and San Jacinto counties, individuals have access to various healthcare resources
dedicated to serving the local communities. With the availability of hospitals, community health
clinics, and mental health services, individuals can receive the care and support needed to
maintain their health and well-being. Hospitals are among the primary healthcare resources
available to individuals in these counties. Several hospitals located throughout the three counties
provide a range of medical services. These hospitals offer emergency medical care and
specialized services for specific health conditions. Additionally, many hospitals have clinics or
medical centers that offer primary care services, such as routine checkups, immunizations, and
primary health screenings.

In addition to hospitals, many community health clinics are located throughout the three
counties. These clinics provide various services to individuals needing access to traditional
healthcare resources. For example, community health clinics often serve low-income individuals,
uninsured individuals, and those who may not have a regular primary care physician. In addition,
these clinics offer immunizations, health screenings, and preventative care services.
Another vital healthcare resource available to individuals in these counties is mental health
services. Mental health services are essential for individuals struggling with mental health
conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. Many mental health clinics and
counseling services are available throughout the three counties that provide a range of services to
individuals who require mental health support.

In San Jacinto County, only 4% of the population has health coverage. Among those insured,
31.6% are on employee plans, 20.4% are on Medicaid, 18.5% are on Medicare, 9.1% are on
non-group plans, and 1.8% are on military or VA plans. In terms of healthcare spending, per
capita, personal healthcare spending in Texas was $6,998 in 2014, a 5.06% increase from the
previous year. Primary care physicians in San Jacinto County see an average of 14,360 patients
per year, representing a 52.4% increase from the previous year. In comparison, dentists see
28,859 patients yearly, and mental health providers see 9,620 patients yearly. Among the insured
persons, 47.7% are men, and 52.3% are women.

In Montgomery County, 85.7% of the population has health coverage. Among those insured,
53.9% are on employee plans, 9.88% are on Medicaid, 9.74% are on Medicare, 10.7% are on
non-group plans, and 1.56% are on military or VA plans. Between 2017 and 2018, the percentage
of uninsured citizens in Montgomery County declined by 1.72% from 14.5% to 14.3%.

The following information indicates how the percentage of uninsured individuals in Montgomery
County changed over time compared with the percentage of individuals enrolled in various types
of health insurance:
Between 2019 and 2020, the percentage of uninsured citizens in San Jacinto County declined by
4.22% from 19.5% to 18.6%. The following chart shows how the percentage of uninsured
individuals in San Jacinto County changed over time compared with the percentage of
individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Overall, it is crucial to ensure that all community members have access to the care they need to
maintain good health and well-being. Harris, Montgomery, and San Jacinto counties offer a
range of healthcare resources tailored to meet the specific needs of different populations and
ensure that care is delivered in a timely and efficient manner. These resources include publicly
funded healthcare systems, non-profit health systems, academic medical centers, hospitals, and
clinics. A community needs assessment may also consider other factors, such as healthcare
access, affordability, and utilization rates, to identify areas of need and opportunities for
improvement.

Healthcare Resources

In Texas, the counties of Harris, Montgomery, and San Jacinto offer a diverse range of healthcare
resources to cater to the varying needs of their local communities. These resources include
hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. In addition, these counties also provide specialized care
centers such as mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities. The
healthcare services offered in these counties are staffed by highly trained professionals, including
doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals committed to providing the best possible care
to their patients. Furthermore, these counties have implemented various healthcare initiatives,
such as health education programs, to promote healthy living and prevent the spread of diseases
in the community. Overall, the healthcare resources available in Harris, Montgomery, and San
Jacinto counties are a testament to their commitment to providing quality healthcare services to
their local communities.

Harris County has several healthcare facilities that provide primary care, specialty care, and
hospital services to its uninsured and underinsured residents. Harris Health System is a publicly
funded healthcare system that aims to offer affordable care to the residents of Harris County.
Memorial Hermann Health System is a non-profit health system that operates several hospitals
and clinics throughout Harris County, providing various medical services. Houston Methodist is
a leading academic medical center in the Texas Medical Center, providing advanced care in over
60 medical specialties. Finally, St. Luke's Health is a network of hospitals and clinics throughout
Greater Houston, offering primary care, specialty care, and hospital services.

Montgomery County has several healthcare facilities that provide comprehensive medical
services to its residents. CHI St. Luke's Health is a network of hospitals and clinics throughout
Greater Houston, including several locations in Montgomery County. Texas Children's Hospital
is a nationally ranked children's hospital in The Woodlands, offering specialized pediatric care.
Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Medical Center, is a hospital and medical center in The
Woodlands that provides various medical services.

San Jacinto County also has several healthcare facilities that provide comprehensive medical
services. CHI St. Luke's Health is a network of hospitals and clinics throughout Greater Houston,
including several locations in San Jacinto County. Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital is a
hospital and medical center in Humble, serving communities in San Jacinto County and
surrounding areas. Kingwood Medical Center is a hospital and medical center in Kingwood that
offers various medical services.

In addition to these healthcare facilities, a community needs assessment may also consider other
factors such as healthcare access, affordability, and utilization rates to identify areas of need and
opportunities for improvement. The central vision of healthcare resources in Texas is to ensure
that all community members have access to the care they need to maintain good health and
well-being. This includes providing a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of
different populations and ensuring that care is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

Groceries and Food Insecurity

This document provides information about grocery and food insecurities in Texas. The selected
text lists several stores that are accessible in the area. In addition, the following sections provide
statistics on food insecurity rates, estimated program eligibility, average meal costs, and annual
food budget shortfalls for San Jacinto County, Harris County, and Montgomery County. This
information sheds light on the challenges many individuals and families face in the region and
emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address food insecurity.

Based on the information provided, we can see that San Jacinto, Harris, and Montgomery
counties have different patterns of at-home food expenditures on fruits and vegetables, at-home
food expenditures on soda/SSB, diabetes prevalence, and obesity prevalence. Here are the details
for each county:

Home Food
Home Food Expenditures Diabetes Obesity
County Expenditures on
on Fruits and Vegetables Prevalence Prevalence
Soda/SSB
San Jacinto $154.10 $55.40 12.9% 31.4%
Harris $333.20 $116.10 10.6% 28.7%
Montgomery $223.80 $73.70 9.5% 26.6%

San Jacinto County spent $154.10 on fruits and vegetables and $55.40 on soda/SSB for at-home
food expenditures. The county has a diabetes prevalence of 12.9% and an obesity prevalence of
31.4%. This suggests that the county has a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes than the
other counties.
Harris County spent $333.20 on fruits and vegetables and $116.10 on soda/SSB for at-home food
expenditures. The county has a diabetes prevalence of 10.6% and an obesity prevalence of
28.7%. This suggests that the county has a lower prevalence of obesity and diabetes than San
Jacinto County but still higher than Montgomery County.

Montgomery County spent $223.80 on fruits and vegetables and $73.70 on soda/SSB for
at-home food expenditures. The county has a diabetes prevalence of 9.5% and an obesity
prevalence of 26.6%. This suggests that the county has the lowest prevalence of obesity and
diabetes among the three counties. It is important to note that the data presented above only
includes at-home food expenditures and does not account for other factors that may contribute to
obesity and diabetes prevalence, such as physical activity levels, access to healthcare, and
socioeconomic status. However, the data can still provide some insight into these counties' food
habits and health outcomes.

In 2018, San Jacinto County had a food-insecure population of 682,650, with a food insecurity
rate of 14.8%. Of these, 29% were estimated to be above other nutrition program thresholds of
185% poverty, 2% were between 165%-185% poverty, and 69% were below the SNAP threshold
of 165% poverty. The average meal cost in San Jacinto County was $2.91, and the annual food
budget shortfall was $336,520,000.

Montgomery County's food-insecure population was 69,390, with a food insecurity rate of
12.5%. Of these, 45% were estimated to be above other nutrition program thresholds of 185%
poverty, 7% were between 165%-185% poverty, and 48% were below the SNAP threshold of
165% poverty. The average meal cost in Montgomery County was $3.05, and the annual food
budget shortfall was $35,873,000.

In San Jacinto County, the food insecure population was 4,860, with a food insecurity rate of
17.5%. Of these, 17% were estimated to be above other nutrition program thresholds of 185%
poverty, 9% were between 165%-185% poverty, and 73% were below the SNAP threshold of
165% poverty. The average meal cost in San Jacinto County was $3.30, and the annual food
budget shortfall was $2,717,000.

Living Conditions

San Jacinto County has a total of 9,451 households with an average of 2.88 persons per
household, and 88.1% of persons aged more than one year living in the same house as one year
ago. Additionally, 13.8% of households in San Jacinto County speak a language other than
English at home. Montgomery County has 214,328 households with an average of 2.83 persons
per household, and 87.0% of persons aged more than one year living in the same house as one
year ago. Furthermore, 23.0% of households in Montgomery County speak a language other than
English at home.

This selection presents data on living conditions in three counties in Texas: Harris County,
Montgomery County, and San Jacinto County. Regarding families and living arrangements, San
Jacinto County has a total of 9,451 households with an average of 2.88 persons per household,
and 88.1% of persons aged more than one year living in the same house as one year ago.
Additionally, 13.8% of households in San Jacinto County speak a language other than English at
home. Montgomery County has 214,328 households with an average of 2.83 persons per
household, and 87.0% of persons aged more than one year living in the same house as one year
ago. Furthermore, 23.0% of households in Montgomery County speak a language other than
English at home. Harris County, the most populous county in Texas, has 1,944,832 households
with an average of 2.86 persons per household, and 84.5% of persons aged more than one year
living in the same house as one year ago. Moreover, 42.0% of households in Harris County speak
a language other than English at home. The selection also includes a table that summarizes the
data on living conditions in the three counties and an image related to housing in one of the
counties.

Means of Support

The means of support for transportation in Montgomery County and San Jacinto County vary by
mode of transportation. In Montgomery County, 80.1% of workers drove alone to work in 2020,
while 8.48% carpooled and 8.42% worked from home—the mean travel time to work for
workers aged 16 years and over was 32.2 minutes. Similarly, in San Jacinto County, 78.6% of
workers drove alone to work in 2020, while 11.4% carpooled. However, the mean travel time to
work for workers aged 16 years and over was 40.2 minutes. It is worth noting that the Hispanic
community in both counties mainly relies on their vehicles.

Childcare options are available in both Montgomery and San Jacinto Counties. For example, in
Montgomery County, Adventure Kids Playcare offers a price range of $12.50-$16.00 per hour
per child, $6 per meal, and different prices for their specialties, such as preschool, family savings
plan, membership fees, and camp pass for school breaks. Other options include All Day Child
Care, Little Texans Child Care Center, Little Angels Academy, Promise Land Learning Center,
Kids Only Child Care, Bright Scholars Academy, Children's Lighthouse of Woodforest, and
ABC Academy. Meanwhile, in San Jacinto County, God's Precious Creations Daycare, Breach
Early Learning, Calvary's Early Learning Center, Great Beginnings, Nannie's Playhouse,
Gingerbread Daycare, Our Precious Memories, Kountry Kids Daycare, Bumblebee Academy,
Loving, and Learning Childcare, and All Day Child Care are among the available daycare
options.

Healthcare accessibility varies for both counties. In San Jacinto County, only 4% of the
population has health coverage, with 31.6% on employee plans, 20.4% on Medicaid, 18.5% on
Medicare, 9.1% on non-group plans, and 1.8% on military or VA plans. Primary care physicians
in San Jacinto County see an average of 14,360 patients per year, which represents a 52.4%
increase from the previous year (9,423 patients). Compare this to dentists, who see 28,859
patients per year, and mental health providers, who see 9,620 patients yearly. By gender, of the
total number of insured persons, 47.7% were men, and 52.3% were women.
In Montgomery County, 7% of the population has health coverage, with 53.9% on employee
plans, 9.88% on Medicaid, 9.74% on Medicare, 10.7% on non-group plans, and 1.56% on
military or VA plans. Between 2017 and 2018, the percentage of uninsured citizens in
Montgomery County, TX, declined by 1.72% from 14.5% to 14.3%. However, San Jacinto
County, TX's uninsured citizens declined by 4.22% from 19.5% to 18.6% between 2019 and
2020. Charts have been provided to show how the percentage of uninsured individuals in both
counties changed over time compared with the percentage of individuals enrolled in various
types of health insurance. It is worth noting that data is from the Census Bureau ACS 5-year
Estimate.

STIs/STDs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent
issues in the San Jacinto and Montgomery counties. In San Jacinto County, one in every 23
people is infected with HIV. Montgomery County, which includes cities such as Montgomery
and Kingwood, has had 356 cases of HIV reported. Chlamydia is also a significant concern, with
4,029 cases reported in 2017. Of these cases, 66.7% were female. The data from 2017 shows a
17.5% increase in overall chlamydia cases in Montgomery County, compared to a nine percent
increase in Maryland. Gonorrhea cases were also on the rise in the county, with 726 cases
reported in 2017, of which 69.8% were male. Data for 2017 shows a 29% increase in gonorrhea
cases in Montgomery County, compared to a 15% increase in Maryland. Finally, primary and
secondary syphilis cases increased by 51.5% from 2016, with 50 cases reported, and early
syphilis cases increased by 84.6% from 2016, with 144 cases reported. These statistics highlight
the importance of promoting sexual health education and increasing access to testing and
treatment in these areas.

Mental Health

According to the data available, San Jacinto County in Texas has a concerning ratio of 9620
individuals for every mental health professional. This ratio indicates that this county's residents
may have limited access to mental health care. Un accessibility to mental health services can
negatively impact individuals' overall health and well-being. Ensuring adequate access to mental
health services in all counties, including Montgomery County, has not been evaluated yet is
crucial. It is vital to continue to collect data on mental health and use this data to improve access
to care for all individuals who may need it. With the right resources and services, individuals can
receive the support they need to effectively manage their mental health and well-being.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that individuals living in all counties in Texas have equal
access to mental health services.

Disabilities

From 2016-2020, around 604 Hispanics died from a disability/disorder in Harris County. In that
same time frame, only 28 people have died from a disability/disorder in Harris County. The
leading causes of death for Hispanics in Harris County due to disabilities or disorders during that
time were heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. These statistics suggest a
disproportionate impact of disabilities and disorders on the Hispanic population in Harris
County. Further research is needed to understand this disparity's underlying causes and develop
targeted interventions to reduce it. It is also vital to ensure that healthcare services are accessible
and culturally appropriate for the Hispanic community in Harris County. San Jacinto County has
a disability percentage of 16% and a percentage of persons without health insurance under 65 of
6.5%. Montgomery County has a disability percentage of 22.6% and a percentage of persons
without health insurance under 65 of 17.0%. We can work towards a more equitable and
inclusive society by addressing these issues.

Dental Health

Montgomery County, Texas, and San Jacinto County, Texas, have different patient-to-dentist
ratios and the number of dental care patients. According to the statistics, dentists in Montgomery
County, Texas, see an average of 2,025 patients annually. This number had decreased by 6.47%
from the previous year when 2,165 patients received dental care. On the other hand, San Jacinto
County, Texas, has an average of 28,859 patients who receive dental care yearly, an increase of
0.487% from the previous year. However, more than 50% of the population in both counties
didn't receive dental care. The statistics demonstrate the need for increased access and awareness
of dental care services in Montgomery and San Jacinto counties. The higher patient-to-dentist
ratio in San Jacinto County indicates a greater demand for dental care services. At the same time,
the high percentage of individuals who did not seek dental care emphasizes the importance of
improving access to dental care services in these areas.

Conclusion

This community health needs assessment offers an in-depth analysis of the various health
concerns and issues affecting Harris, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties in Texas. The
assessment delves into the different factors that impact the health and well-being of residents in
these counties, including religion, family, language, food, cultural traditions, gender values,
natural family planning, elderly care, ethnomedical practices, and leading causes of disease.

One of the most critical factors that affect the health of residents in these counties is their access
to healthcare resources. The assessment highlights each county's various healthcare facilities and
resources, including hospitals, clinics, and primary care providers. It also notes that healthcare
access, affordability, and utilization rates should be considered to identify areas of need and
opportunities for improvement. Another critical factor contributing to the health and well-being
of residents in these counties is their access to education and job opportunities. The assessment
provides information on education attainment rates, vocational training centers, and job growth
in the financial sector. It also highlights the importance of providing access to high-quality
education that prepares individuals for success in the workforce and life.
The assessment also highlights the need to address various health concerns and issues affecting
the residents of these counties, such as emergency healthcare and police intervention, tobacco
and alcohol use, transportation, housing, STIs/STDs, mental health, disabilities, safety issues,
and dental health. The assessment provides detailed information on these issues, including
prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential solutions. In addition, the assessment notes that it is
essential to consider each county's unique needs and characteristics when developing strategies
and programs to address health concerns and promote well-being. This includes mapping the
geographic location of resources, such as healthcare facilities, schools, and community centers,
and identifying areas where additional services and resources may be needed.

This community health needs assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the various
health concerns and issues affecting Harris, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties in Texas. It
highlights the crucial role that access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities plays in
promoting health and well-being. It also provides detailed information on various health
concerns and issues affecting residents in these counties. As a result, these counties can work
together to address common challenges and achieve shared goals by identifying areas of need
and developing targeted strategies and programs.