building a HEALTHIER PRECINCT 4
A MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER LESLEY BRIONES
As my family and I settle into our new school year routine, I am proud to look back at the impact Precinct 4 has had on our community this summer. From free summer camps and programming for kids to the rapid deployment of resources in the wake of disasters, our collective efforts reached tens of thousands of families in both good times and bad.
Precinct 4 partnered with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston to offer free summer camps to underserved children at Precinct 4 community centers. This was made possible thanks to the generous donations made to our nonprofit, Precinct4Forward. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of H-E-B, we launched Freed Young Explorers, a free STEM-focused summer and after-school program where students learn about model rockets, drones, robotics, and 3D
printing. Our free community center programming and events continue throughout the year, and I invite you to explore all Precinct 4 has to offer.
"WE ARE DELIVERING PROGRESS ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTY BY ADDING PRIVATE SPACES FOR NURSING MOTHERS, INCREASING ACCESS TO MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND NUTRITION SERVICES, ADDRESSING THE HEAT ISLAND EFFECT, AND MAKING PROGRESS ON THE COUNTY’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN."
As we enter fall, your and your family’s health remains a top priority, which is why we have launched a health hub at Bayland Community Center. This hub offers a comprehensive set of services including fresh food distributions, dental visits, diabetes prevention programming, and social service navigation. Stay tuned as we build even more resources into the Bayland health hub and continue hosting vaccination and other health events throughout Precinct 4.
COMMISSIONER LESLEY BRIONES
Our work to improve health outcomes goes beyond our efforts at our Precinct 4 community centers. We are delivering progress across the entire County by adding private spaces for nursing mothers, increasing access to medical, dental, and nutrition services, addressing
the heat island effect, and making progress on the County’s Climate Action Plan.
Lastly, this hurricane season has been active, and many are still recovering. Precinct 4 was there for our community before, during, and after the storm providing updates, supplies, and places to cool down when Harris County was left without power. We are still in hurricane season and will be until the end of November. My team and I are continuously monitoring storms and stand ready to respond.
Know that Precinct 4 is always here to serve you. Together, we will keep making Harris County a better place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Additionally, from my family to yours, I wish you and your families a wonderful new school year!
All my best,
COMMISSIONER BRIONES IS CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S HEALTH
LACTATION PODS
In February 2024, Commissioner Briones facilitated the donation of three lactation pods to the Harris County Courthouse, Criminal Justice Center, and Jury Assembly Building. The three pods were installed in May and offer a safe, clean, and private place for visiting mothers to breastfeed and pump.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
ACCESS FUND
The Harris County Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund supports organizations that provide reproductive education in underserved communities. With the help of federal dollars, these organizations are providing free health resources, increasing patient capacity at clinics, and providing culturally sensitive educational material to inform the community on their reproductive health.
BAYLAND HEALTH HUB
Bayland Community Center is now your Precinct 4 Health Hub. Residents can find the Harris County Public Health Mobile Dental Clinic, community food distributions, a diabetes prevention program, and resource navigators available throughout the week.
Visit Precinct 4’s programming and events section at cp4.harriscountytx.gov to stay up to date on scheduling.
WEATHERING THE STORM:
PRECINCT 4’S RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS
Extreme weather hit our region this summer and impacted residents across Harris County. In the aftermath of multiple storms, millions were left without power in the extreme heat and over $28 billion has been estimated in damages to businesses and homes. While the effects of these natural disasters will be felt for some time, Commissioner Briones and the Precinct 4 team have worked tirelessly to deliver critical resources and services to help residents recover.
“It was truly a lifeline for the community during the very trying post-Beryl period. My husband and I spent several hours there on Wednesday; after being without power since early Monday...The center’s level of organization was excellent, and the staff members were extremely kind and accommodating.”
DEANNA D. Cooling center at Bayland Community Center
The Precinct 4 Road and Bridge Department...went above and beyond in clearing both small piles of debris and large limbs that residents were unable to manage to even get a chainsaw through...Our residents have been less stressed in the aftermath of Beryl knowing that Precinct 4 will be here to help with cleanup.
KATE Z.
Rapid Response
After Hurricane Beryl made landfall, Precinct 4’s Road & Bridge team deployed to clear over 1,500 dump trucks of debris from roadways and streets across the Precinct. The Precinct opened six cooling centers and two sites to distribute ice, water, food and supplies, serving over 6,000 households. In addition to facilitating wellness checks, Precinct 4’s Community Assistance Department delivered critical supplies to vulnerable populations across the region.
Stronger Together
Commissioner Briones is working with organizations and all levels of government to expedite the recovery of Precinct 4 communities. In addition to partnering with the H-E-B, the Houston Food Bank, the Boys and Girl Club, and others, she championed the allocation of additional funds to support Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts at Commissioners Court in July.
A More Resilient Future
Harris County is building infrastructure that can withstand significant weather events and
support its residents and families for generations to come. The County was recently awarded a historic $250 million Solar for All grant: this will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from solar energy by cutting energy costs, increasing access to good-paying clean energy jobs, and creating resiliency and energy options. The investment will also help make the energy grid more reliable during heat advisories, floods, and freezes. To ensure residents have power during these grid emergencies, Precinct 4 has nine diesel and gas powered generators at several of its service and community centers. We are also applying for a FEMABuilding Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant to obtain four more diesel generators.
Additionally, the County’s Revolving Energy Efficiency Fund (REEF) has generated over $1.3 million in savings since its establishment earlier this year. The County is lowering its emissions and reinvesting those savings in resilience and sustainability, further reducing reliance and strain on the power grid.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
4 HAS CLEARED OVER 84,577 Cubic Yards
6,041 Dump Trucks of Debris
*As of August 31, 2024
For residents still recovering, please call the Community Assistance Department at 832-927-4444 for support or contact the following for additional help:
FEMA Disaster Assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362
SBA Disaster Loan: lending.sba.gov or call (800) 659-2955
Additional recovery resources:
PAPER PRECINCT 4 &
PREPARING FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Empowering our youth is a critical element to creating a better future. Commissioner Briones knows this best as a mother of three and a former school teacher. Precinct 4 was proud to provide new programming for children and families across the precinct.
“
“WE
HAVE SIX KIDS IN OUR FAMILY, SO CHILD CARE AFFORDABILITY IS IMPORTANT. I WAS SO APPRECIATIVE TO LEARN THE YMCA SUMMER CAMP AT WEEKLEY COMMUNITY CENTER WAS FREE, IT WAS A HUGE HELP FOR ME AS A PARENT, AND OUR KIDS HAD A BLAST. BEFORE ATTENDING CAMP, I HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE WEEKLEY COMMUNITY CENTER. I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS AT THE CENTER, AND PLAN TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH OUR FAMILY. THE CENTER IS CLEAN, AND THE STAFF IS AMAZING!”
- BIANCA F.
IMMUNIZATIONS
July 28 th immunization drive: In partnership with the Ibn Sina Foundation, Precinct 4 administered 143 free back-to-school immunizations and COVID vaccines at the Bayland Community Center.
FREE VACCINES
900+ BACKPACKS
Backpack giveaway: 200 students were better prepared to start school this year because of Precinct 4’s August 9 backpack giveaway. Along with school supplies, children and their parents were invited to participate in the first All In 4 Inner Northwest: A HCP4 Community Plan workshop, which will help shape the future of the Hempstead Corridor.
Chinese American Relief Effort (C.A.R.E) Back to School Event: On August 10, Precinct 4 partnered with C.A.R.E. to give away more than 700 backpacks filled with school supplies to every student at Alief ISD’s Youens Elementary School.
SUMMER CAMPS
Precinct 4 partnered with the YMCA of Greater Houston and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston to provide free summer day camp to 248 area children. On top of summer camps, the precinct also launched Freed Young Explorers, a summer and after school program focusing on STEM education.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMMING SURVEY
1. Which of our centers have you most recently visited? (Check all that apply, if any)
□ Bayland Community Center
□ Burnett Bayland Community Center
□ Fonteno Senior Center
□ Freed Community Center
□ Glazier Senior Center
□ Hockley Community Center
□ John Paul Landing Education Center
□ Kleb Woods Nature Center
□ Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center
□ Radack Community Center
□ Tracy Gee Community Center
□ Weekley Community Center
□ Not Sure
□ None
2. What event/class/program did you attend?
Please give us the name, or briefly describe the event. (If you cannot remember, write "N/A")
3. Please rate your experience:
4. Please tell us why you chose this rating.
5. Are you satisfied with the quality of programs provided at your community center?
□ Yes
□ No
6. Do you have ideas about programming that you would like to see offered?
□ Yes
□ No
7. What additional programming would you like to see offered at our centers? If you have never visited, what types of programming would most interest you?
8. Do you have feedback/comments you'd like to share about our facilities?
□ Yes
□ No
9. What are your thoughts o n our facilities? If you have never visited, what type of amenity would you be interested in accessing at our centers?
10. What would you like to see improved in your community?
May we contact you if we have further questions?
□ Yes
□ No
First and Last Name:
COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMMING SURVEY
FALL FAMILY EVENTS
COLORING PAGE
DIGGIN’ OLD STUFF ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve and Center
Find historical artifacts, bones, and more as you channel your inner Indiana Jones at Precinct 4’s annual archaeological dig.
FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS
Please visit Precinct 4's events page at cp4.harriscountytx.gov/events
FALL FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bear Creek Pioneers Park
Put on your cozy sweaters and boots and join Precinct 4 for its annual Fall Festival. There will be a pumpkin patch, prizes, DJ, and pet adoptions.
HEALTHY LIVING FOR ALL
Commissioner Briones is committed to increasing access to affordable, high quality health programs and services that support the overall wellbeing of every resident. From free food sources to fitness classes, Precinct 4 has something for everyone to help them live their healthiest life.
FITNESS CLASSES
Precinct 4 offers fitness classes and programs for all residents at every fitness level. Visit a community center near you or cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Events to enroll in a class today!
PARKS AND RECREATION
Enjoy walking, bike riding, soccer, skateboarding, and more at Precinct 4’s parks.
COMMON MARKET
Precinct 4 and Common Market Texas partner to bring fresh boxes of produce bi-weekly to Bayland and Radack Community Centers. Residents can call or visit the community centers to register and will receive further details and reminders to pick up their boxes.
MOBILE DENTAL CLINIC
Adults and children can receive dental services through Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Mobile Dental Unit beginning August 1 from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Walk-ins are available, but appointments are preferred. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Bayland staff or call HCPCH Mobile Dental Services at 832-927-7373.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT
Commissioner Briones’ Community Assistance Department ensures the health of Precinct 4 communities by finding solutions to the unique needs of each of the Precinct’s constituents —whether it’s navigating our public health department, requesting nuisance abatement services, or finding shelter — they help navigate residents to resources and services like:
Road Repairs and Maintenance Requests
Identifying County Services
Debris Pick-Up Requests
A COMMUNITY IS CHANGING THE LIVES OF SPRING BRANCH RESIDENTS HEALTH CENTER
Nestled on the corner of Richmond and Rogerdale in Harris County Precinct 4 sits Houston’s Mexican Consulate. The parking lot is packed, but visitors are not just here for the Consulate’s services — they are here for the visiting Spring Branch Community Health Center’s Mobile Clinic.
The Mobile Clinic brings high-quality, culturally sensitive, and affordable healthcare directly to the residents who need it most.
“From the beginning, the clinic has always had a good relationship with the consulates,” Chief Executive Officer Marlen Trujillo said. “[The Mexican Consulate] prioritizes health. We are participating in their Ventanilla de Salud, which is basically their ‘health window’ that provides health services to not only dual nationality individuals, but also Mexican nationals and newly arrived individuals into this country.”
providing high quality, comprehensive health services no matter whether someone is insured or not.
“We are providing services that allow everybody and anybody to walk in the door; any nationality, any origin, any sex, any religion,” Trujillo said. “What we want is to make sure we get people in a much healthier state. All of our frontline staff are bilingual – they speak Spanish and English. All of our providers go through cultural competency and cultural sensitivity training. Also, we have a multilingual translation line that it doesn’t matter what language [or dialect] you speak, we are able to take care of your needs as soon as you walk into the lobby.”
Apart from its two mobile clinics, the Center has eight locations across west Harris County – including four in Precinct 4 – that offer services ranging from women’s health
OVER 70% OF THE SPRING BRANCH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER’S PATIENTS ARE HISPANIC
The Mobile Clinic is spacious and allows room for staff to screen patients’ blood pressure, glucose, BMI, and educate them on their health. These services can be critical to detecting early indicators of serious problems, especially for populations that are at a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, such as the Hispanic population.
Over 70% of the Spring Branch Community Health Center’s patients are Hispanic, and providing culturally competent care is central to the center’s mission of
10 WAYS TO OWN YOUR HEALTH DURING THESE AWARENESS MONTHS
NOV.
DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
Schedule any outstanding health or mammogram screenings to detect symptoms
Exercise for at least 30-60 minutes a day and eat healthy, wellbalanced foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce risk of breast cancer
Perform regular selfexams to increase the odds of early detection
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption
Meal plan and limit sugary and processed foods
Avoid smoking, which increases blood sugar levels and is linked to several other diseases
Increase water intake to help eliminate excess glucose levels
Please
NOV.
MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS
MONTH
Prioritize regular selfexams and check-ups for early detection of prostate or testicular cancers
Improve mental health by reducing stress, staying active and seeking help from friends, family, or a mental health professional
Enjoy meatless meals once a week to reduce risk of heart disease, hypertension, and other health complications
1001 Preston, Suite 950 Houston, TX 77002
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The health of our democracy is dependent on you exercising your right to vote. Remember these key dates as you help shape the future of our country this election season:
Voter registration deadline: October 7
Early voting: October 21 - November 1
Mail-in ballot application deadline: October 25
Election Day: November 5
