The mission of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Region 6/5 South Preparedness and Response Team is to build resilient communities through collaboration and partnership. DSHS provides preparedness, response, and recovery services for public health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and terrorism. We provide ongoing regional coordination and guidance, and deliver direct service provision in Liberty, Matagorda, Walker, Waller, Austin, Colorado, and Wharton counties.

We are working towards meeting and exceeding the CDC National Standards for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities.  

Region 6/5 South is prone to natural disasters given our proximity to the Gulf Coast. Identifying threats now can save your families time and welfare, so you can be prepared for when disaster strikes. Families should consider threats such as: tropical winds, flooding, loss of power, and infectious disease outbreaks. 

We encourage you and your family to learn more about how you can protect your loved ones by developing an emergency plan, staying informed in your community, and building your go and stay-bags.  

Check out the Texas Ready website to jumpstart your emergency toolkit. 

Reach out to your local health department for more information.