Tarrant County Health Department (Public Health)
This page is for general public health information only. It does not provide medical diagnosis or individualized treatment advice.
Always confirm services, hours, and requirements on official Tarrant County Public Health websites, and consult a licensed health care provider for questions about your own symptoms, treatment, or medical conditions.
This article explains what the Tarrant County Health Department does, how to use its services, and where to go for care, records, inspections, and disease reporting. It includes plain-language summaries of major programs, epidemiology and emergency preparedness, vaccines and testing, food and pool inspections, and health data resources. The focus is on official county resources and how they are organized.
Public Health Role and Services
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) is the county’s Health Department, responsible for protecting and improving community health through prevention, clinical services, surveillance, and response. Its mission is to “advance the community's health through accountability, quality and innovation,” and its operations reflect the scale of the county it serves. Since the 1950s, TCPH has developed into a local public health authority staffed by more than 400 professionals and supported by approximately $65 million in annual resources. The department’s administrative office is located in the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Building at 1101 S. Main Street in Fort Worth.
If you or a family member has an urgent medical concern or emergency, contact a health care provider or call emergency services. Public health information pages like this one are not a substitute for emergency care or individualized medical advice.
Residents may use the Health Department both as a service provider and as a public information source. On a typical day, TCPH clinicians provide vaccinations and testing, disease investigators review reportable conditions, environmental health staff inspect food and pool facilities, and laboratory personnel process public-health-related testing.
To get oriented, begin with the department’s main Public Health page. It brings together links to administration, clinical services, disease control, family health, health protection and response, and department locations.
Explore the central Public Health page to review programs and service areas.
Clinical Services and Care
Clinic services, locations, and fee policies
TCPH’s clinical network provides direct public health services at multiple sites. Hours and offerings vary by location, but a core set of services—including immunizations and communicable disease testing—is available through the department. Fees are based on insurance status and income, with multiple forms of payment accepted. For walk-in services such as Adult Health Services, bring a photo ID and proof of income so staff can apply the appropriate fee structure.
Begin with the full directory of clinical offerings and links to specific programs.
Immunizations
County immunization clinics support routine childhood vaccines, catch-up vaccinations for students, and adult immunizations where eligible. Because recommendations and supply can change, verify current availability and documentation requirements before visiting. When possible, bring prior vaccine records so staff can update school or employer documentation accurately.
Adult Health Services
Adult Health Services (AHS) clinics provide STI testing and treatment and offer risk-reduction counseling. These clinics operate on a walk-in basis during posted hours. Staff review symptoms, order appropriate tests, and provide treatment when indicated. If a treatable infection is identified, staff may also provide partner notification and follow-up guidance.
Tuberculosis, refugee screening, and specialized care pathways
Tarrant County’s TB-related work includes screening, treatment coordination, and public-health follow-up. Refugee health screening supports new residents as they establish care with primary providers. When specialized follow-up is required, TCPH coordinates testing, medications, and case management through the relevant service lines.
Family and Lifespan Programs
WIC and maternal-child programs
Family health services include nutrition assistance and counseling, maternal and child health support, chronic disease prevention, nurse-family partnerships for first-time mothers, and youth development programs.
Learn more about eligibility and benefits for the county’s nutrition program for women, infants, and children.
Maternal and child health services
From prenatal support to early childhood screenings, maternal-child health teams coordinate with clinics and primary care providers to address service gaps. The nurse-family partnership program pairs eligible first-time mothers with nurses who provide in-home education and resource linkage. Youth development programs provide prevention and life-skills education.
Chronic disease prevention
Family Health Services also support prevention efforts related to nutrition, physical activity, blood pressure control, and tobacco cessation. These services may include referrals through community navigation and other county-supported programs.
Disease Control and Epidemiology
Why surveillance matters and how residents may be contacted
Epidemiology is a core public health function. TCPH disease control teams monitor notifiable conditions, evaluate clusters and outbreaks, and use lab data to guide interventions. When a reportable disease is confirmed, investigators may contact affected individuals for interviews and contact tracing. These steps support treatment, follow-up, and public health notifications when required.
Use the county’s Epidemiology page to review surveillance, data tools, and local disease reporting.
What to expect if you are contacted by an investigator
If a public health investigator calls, the purpose is usually to collect time-sensitive information about symptoms, timelines, and close contacts. Interviews are generally brief. Information gathered may be used to guide treatment recommendations and public health follow-up within applicable confidentiality rules.
Reporting notifiable diseases
Health care providers and laboratories are required to report notifiable conditions promptly. The county provides reporting pathways so time-sensitive interventions can be coordinated appropriately. Clinics and laboratories should use the epidemiology resources referenced above for local reporting requirements.
Environmental Health and Safety
Environmental Health Promotion
Environmental health programs address risks in places where people live, work, and gather. Specialists inspect restaurants, mobile food units, and temporary events; review and score public pools and spas; and oversee on-site sewage facilities in unincorporated areas. They also handle complaints related to food safety, pools, and septic systems.
Learn how Environmental Health permitting, inspections, and complaint reviews work, and how to request service.
Food inspection and complaint process
Inspectors use standardized checklists to evaluate temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, employee hygiene, and facility maintenance. Violations may lead to corrective actions and follow-up inspections. Suspected foodborne illness or unsafe practices can be reported through the county’s official complaint process.
Pool and spa oversight
Public and semi-public pools must maintain disinfectant levels, filtration, and safety equipment to reduce health and safety risks. Regular inspections and complaint-based reviews are used to monitor compliance. Residents who observe unsafe conditions may file a concern through the county’s official channels.
Septic system reviews
On-site sewage systems in unincorporated areas require design review, permitting, and maintenance oversight. Environmental Health evaluates systems and responds to reports of malfunction or nuisance conditions.
Emergency Preparedness
Public health emergency readiness
TCPH’s emergency preparedness program coordinates planning, training, and exercises with regional partners. During emergencies, the department may expand clinic operations, medication distribution, or targeted vaccination activities. This program supports countywide public health response for infectious disease events, extreme weather, and other health-related incidents.
See how Public Health Emergency Preparedness supports planning and coordinated response.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
What readiness means for households and businesses
Households may benefit from maintaining vaccine records, following official county updates, and knowing how to reach the county call center. Businesses responsible for food service, child care, or public venues should keep continuity plans aligned with environmental health and emergency guidance.
North Texas Regional Laboratory
Local laboratory support for public health response
The North Texas Regional Laboratory supports disease control by performing specialized testing for pathogens under validated protocols. Faster confirmation can support quicker treatment decisions, more precise contact tracing, and focused environmental or clinical interventions when public-health-related testing is needed.
Learn about the North Texas Regional Laboratory and its role in local public health operations.
Health Data and Informatics
Local data systems and public health planning
TCPH’s Office of Data and Informatics maintains surveillance systems and integrates information from hospitals and clinics across North Texas. This helps the department analyze trends, support planning, and target interventions based on local needs.
Explore Health Data and Information to see how the county aggregates, analyzes, and shares public health metrics.
Privacy and HIPAA compliance
Public health work relies on data but operates within privacy requirements. TCPH states that staff are trained in the handling of protected health information and that department operations are aligned with HIPAA-related obligations where applicable.
Locations, Hours, and Sites
Main locations and site selection
The Health Department organizes services at the Fort Worth Main Campus and other sites across the county. Because hours vary by program, check the current schedule before traveling and bring identification or documents required for the specific service you need.
Get current addresses, hours, and service menus by site through Public Health Locations.
Planning a visit
For walk-in clinics such as Adult Health Services, arrive early within posted hours and allow time for registration and testing.
For immunizations, bring prior vaccine records when available and a valid ID; parents should also bring school forms if needed.
If you need fee adjustments, bring proof of income.
For specialized services such as TB evaluation or refugee screening, call ahead to confirm documentation and referral requirements.
Directory and Administration
Leadership and department contacts
The Public Health Administration oversees department strategy, quality improvement, workforce development, public communications, and partnerships. The administration office is located in the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Building and is the place to start for department-level questions that are not tied to a specific clinic. As of July 2024, Dr. Brian Byrd serves as director and local health authority.
For phone numbers and emails by program, use the official Public Health Directory.
How administration supports department operations
Workforce development helps maintain staff training and service standards.
Continuous quality improvement supports review of clinic and field operations.
Communications provides press releases, a director’s blog, and public updates.
Data and Informatics supports planning and operational decisions using local data.
Call Center vs. Clinic Line
The Tarrant County Public Health Call Center is intended for basic triage, routing, and general service questions such as which clinic provides a service, what documents to bring, or which location is closest. If you already know the exact clinic and service you need, contacting that clinic directly may be faster.
Business Environmental Permits
Permits, inspections, and compliance
Business owners and managers should review Environmental Health requirements before starting or expanding food, pool, or event-related operations. Permit requirements, inspection timelines, and complaint processes are published by the county. Operators should also maintain staff training and corrective-action records to support ongoing compliance.
Community Health Navigation
Coverage and service navigation
The Community Health Navigation (CHN) program helps residents identify and enroll in health and social service programs. This may include assistance with Medicaid, CHIP, and related application or renewal processes, along with referrals to food, housing, and clinic resources.
Payments and Records
What to bring and how fees are handled
For clinical services that require payment, bring identification and any insurance cards you have. Fees may be adjusted based on household income, so bring proof of income if you are seeking a sliding-scale review. Some programs are no-cost, while others may involve standard charges for testing, vaccines, or treatment. Follow the instructions provided by clinic staff regarding payment, treatment, and follow-up.
News, Alerts, and Updates
Official public updates
Public Health posts press releases and maintains a director’s blog covering local public health issues, advisories, and department updates. During routine operations or emergencies, the department’s website serves as the county’s official source for these updates.
How Services Work Together
Many department functions connect across programs. Clinical services, laboratory testing, epidemiology, environmental health, and public communications often operate together when the county is responding to disease trends, outbreaks, inspections, or other public health needs. Residents may interact with only one part of the system, but the department’s work is organized across multiple linked service areas.
Health Department Contacts and Locations (Official)
Tarrant County Public Health — Fort Worth Main Campus
1101 S. Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: 817-321-4700
Tarrant County Public Health — Arlington (Arkansas Lane)
2596 E. Arkansas Lane, Arlington, TX 76014
Phone: 817-248-6299
Public Health Administration
1101 S. Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: 817-321-5300
Tarrant County Telephone Operator
100 E. Weatherford, Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: 817-884-1111
Tarrant County Health Department FAQs
How do Adult Health Services clinics work for STI testing and treatment?
Adult Health Services (AHS) operates on a walk-in basis during posted hours. Fees are based on insurance status and household income, and multiple payment types are accepted. Bring a photo ID and proof of income so staff can apply the correct fee structure. Typical services include testing and treatment for common STIs, counseling, and follow-up instructions. For current details, see: Adult Health Services.
Where can I find immunization information for children and adults?
County immunization clinics post current vaccine offerings, eligibility notes, and scheduling guidance. Review requirements before visiting and bring prior vaccine records when available. For clinic specifics, fee information, and what to bring, consult the official page: Immunizations.
How can I check food and pool safety compliance?
Tarrant County publishes searchable databases of inspections so residents can review compliance histories for food and aquatic facilities. Reports include scored findings, follow-ups, and recent outcomes. Use these tools here: Restaurant Inspection Scores.
How are notifiable diseases reported in Tarrant County?
Health care providers and laboratories must report specified conditions promptly using the county’s reporting portal. Timely reporting supports case investigation, contact notifications, and control measures coordinated by epidemiology staff. Use the official reporting page here: Notifiable Diseases Report.