AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health (APH) has been recognized by the Texas Healthy Communities Program (TXHC) at the Silver recognition level for conducting a community assessment designed to evaluate current policy, systems, and environmental strategies and public health practices proven to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other chronic diseases.

TXHC assists communities to assess their existing environments, implement changes in local environmental and policy infrastructure, and adopt priority public health practices to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. Based upon outcomes of the community assessments, the TXHC Program recognizes best practices being advanced within the community’s local jurisdiction.

The following communities are recognized at the Gold, Silver or Bronze Level in Fiscal Year 2024:

• Gold Level: Lamar County.

• Silver Level: City of Houston, Travis County, El Paso County, Victoria County.

• Bronze Level: Brazos County, Harris County, McLennan County, Taylor County, Wichita County.

Communities are assessed on eight indicators to determine recognition as a Texas Healthy Community. Environmental indicators include designated areas for physical activity, healthy eating options, mother-friendly worksites and evidence-based community support for healthy aging. Policy indicators include smoke-free ordinances, EMS systems with appropriate acute stroke treatment protocols in place and an emergency response action plan in place.