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An agency of the Texas Health and Human Services System.

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Vision: A Healthy Texas

Mission: To improve health and well-being in Texas

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Volunteer with DSHS

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) values volunteers, interns, and donors as important and respected partners. The Center for Consumer and External Affairs provides collaboration, technical assistance, and consultation for department staff pertaining to volunteer and community engagement.

Click on these links for more information on DSHS:

Click on the links below for specific DSHS volunteer engagement programs and residency program.

For more information about DSHS Volunteer & Community Engagement, e-mail or phone 512-458-7111, ext. 6605.

Public Health Emergency Responses

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is charged with protecting the public's health in an emergency.

PROTECT TEXAS: We "PROTECT TEXAS" during disease outbreaks that occur naturally and from acts of bioterrorism. DSHS and many state and local agencies are working together to reduce these threats – and YOU CAN HELP.

Ongoing Volunteer and Intern Opportunities

State Hospital Volunteers: Eleven state hospital facilities provide in-patient treatment serves, 8 provide mental health treatment, 1 provides mental health and mental retardation services as well as serving as an outpatient public heath clinic, one provides tuberculosis and Hansen’s disease treatment, and one provides treatment for emotionally disturbed youth. Each state hospital has volunteers and a community relations office to provide oversight of the volunteer program.

Parish Nursing (Faith Community Nursing): Specialized area of professional nursing practice that focuses on health promotion within a faith community. Roles will vary from faith community to faith community depending upon the needs of its members and available resources, but include educator, counselor and advocate in their own faith family. They are a source for preventative and restorative care, ministering holistically to individuals and families.

Residency Training Program

Preventive Medicine/Public Health Residency Training Program: This program exists to prepare those physicians who possess the prerequisite training, dedication and value systems, for a competent, productive preventive medicine practice and career. DSHS has an agreement with the University of Texas School of Public Health for residents support, and with local health departments for practicum opportunities.

Last Updated November 24, 2008