Howard College takes the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors as a very serious matter. It is important to us for the people we serve to be informed about communicable health issues that can potentially 
have a serious effect on their own health. The information shared below is reviewed and provided through our Communicable Disease Committee to provide reliable information and resources for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Further questions regarding public health concerns at Howard College should be directed to the chair of the Communicable Disease Committee at the following:
Questions?
Luci Gabehart, MSN, RN, CNE
Dean of Health Professions,
ADN Program Director
Howard College
1001 Birdwell Lane,Big Spring, Texas 79720
lgabehart@howardcollege.edu
EBOLA |
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%. The illness affects humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other in a remote area of Sudan. The origin of the virus is unknown but fruit bats (Pteropodidae) are considered the likely host of the Ebola virus, based on available evidence.
LINKS / RESOURCES |
- CDC Fact Sheet: Could it be Ebola?
- Enhanced Ebola Screening Department of Homeland Security
- World Health Organization: Ebola Information
- World Health Organization: Ebola Frequently Asked Questions
- US Department of Health & Human Services: Digital Briefing on Ebola, Dr. Anthony Fauci
- CDC: Revised US Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Potential Ebola Virus Exposure
FLU |
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
LINKS / RESOURCES |
- CDC: Seasonal Influenza – Flu Basics
- Flu.gov: What To Do About the Flu
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS |
Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs. The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis.
Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine: The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107, which requires all students entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas as of January 2012 and thereafter to provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine or “booster” dose- within the last five years and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.
Howard College Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Information / Requirements
LINKS / RESOURCES |
Mental Health Information
Big Spring Area Lamesa San Angelo
West Texas Centers
Howard County MHC
1501 W. 11th Place, Suite 104
Big Spring, Texas 79720
Phone: (432) 263-0027
Walk-in Intake Clinic Days
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Serves: Howard, Glasscock, Martin and Borden Counties.
To access Mental Health Crisis Services, Call:
1-800-375-4357 or
www.wtcmhmr.org
West Texas Centers
Dawson County MHC
211 N. Main Ave
Lamesa, TX 79331
Phone: (806)-872-3790
Walk-in Intake Clinic Days
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Serves: Dawson County
To access Mental Health Crisis Services, Call:
1-800-375-4357 or
www.wtcmhmr.org
MHMR Services for the Concho Valley
1501 W. Beauregard
San Angelo, TX 76901
Phone: (325) 658-7750
Fax: (325) 658-8381
Crisis: (800) 375-8965 or
(325) 653-5933
www.mhmrcv.org
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Big Spring AreaLamesaSan Angelo
Texas Department of State
Health Services – Big Spring
501 Birdwell Lane, Suite 28-B
Big Spring, Texas 79720
Phone: (432) 263-9775
Fax: (432) 263-9781
Counties: Howard, Glasscock, Martin
Services:
Anonymous HIV testing, confidential HIV testing, STD testing, prevention counseling, HIV prevention education, STD prevention education, nurse on-site, hepatitis education/counseling, Hepatitis B vaccine-children ($5.00), TB testing, TB treatment, pregnancy testing, immunizations, nutrition services, family planning.
South Plains Public Health District
503 S. 1st Street
Lamesa, TX 79331
Phone: (806)-872-5863
Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00pm
(closed for lunch from 12:00-1:00pm)
Facility Website
Services: South Plains Public Health District provides public and environmental health services for Dawson County, Texas. Our health clinic for Dawson County is located in Lamesa. Walk-ins are welcome, although some services require an appointment. Interpreters are available – you are not required to provide your own.
City of San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department Nursing Services
2030 Pulliam St., Suite 9
San Angelo, TX 76905
Phone: (325) 657-4214
Hours: 8 AM-Noon /
1 PM-5 PM
Mondays-Fridays
Facility Website
Services: The Nursing Division provides a range of services designed to promote healthy living through prevention, protection and intervention. Immunization clinics, tuberculosis testing and case management clinics as well as sexually transmitted disease clinics are available.