In 2024, the Victoria County Public Health Department (VCPHD) remained committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all residents. By expanding healthcare access, strengthening community engagement, and launching education campaigns, we laid the foundation for a healthier Victoria County in 2025. Moving forward, VCPHD is dedicated to furthering these initiatives to meet evolving health needs.
One primary goal for 2025 is expanding healthcare accessibility, especially for underserved populations. By partnering with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders, we aim to bridge gaps in access and ensure essential services reach those in need. These collaborations will enable us to deliver preventative care and education and promote accessible healthcare throughout the county.
A significant step toward this goal was establishing the Community Resource Center (CRC) within the Patti Dodson Public Health Center by the Be Well Division of VCPHD. This center connects residents to local resources and support services. Staffed by licensed Community Health Workers (CHWs), the CRC helps residents navigate complex systems to acquire much-needed healthcare, financial assistance, and other essential resources. In 2025, we plan to expand CRC services, increase outreach efforts, and strengthen the community support network.
Data-driven decision-making remains key to our public health strategy. In collaboration with the Center for Community Health & Aging (CCHA) at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, VCPHD facilitated the 2024 Victoria County Health Assessment. Partnering with the United Way of the Crossroads, City of Victoria, Citizens Medical Center, and DeTar Health Care System, this assessment compiled essential data on chronic disease prevalence, mental health trends, social determinants of health, and healthcare accessibility. The insights gained will shape future initiatives. With this data, we will work closely with healthcare facilities, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop targeted programs addressing pressing community health concerns. By leveraging locally gathered data, we can implement effective interventions that improve overall health outcomes and shape future initiatives.
Public health education and community outreach will remain central to our mission in 2025. Over the past year, we launched numerous public health campaigns and educational initiatives to empower residents with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. VCPHD will continue this initiative by further enhancing additional training courses, expanding community workshops, and new awareness campaigns.
Mental health services will also be a key focus in 2025. Recognizing the growing need for accessible mental health resources, VCPHD is committed to strengthening local services through partnerships and enhanced community-based initiatives. By integrating mental health into our broader public health framework, we aim to provide a holistic approach to health and well-being for our community's citizens.
VCPHD also remains dedicated to emergency preparedness and response. The past few years have highlighted the need for a well-coordinated public health infrastructure capable of responding efficiently to crises and emergent needs. In 2025, we will continue refining emergency response strategies to ensure Victoria County is well-equipped to handle public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other critical events.
Our vision is clear: to create a healthier, more resilient Victoria County for future generations. Through collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, and residents, we are confident in making meaningful progress in public health initiatives that positively impact all who call this county home.
David Gonzales is the Director of the Victoria County Public Health Department. He has over 20 years of experience in healthcare, emergency preparedness, and public health. Since 2019, he has led the department's efforts to deliver essential services, overseeing dozens of grants and ten divisions dedicated to improving community health and wellness.
