Texas Department of State Health Services

Texas Department of State Health Services General Information

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) serves as the state’s leading public health authority, providing a wide range of services including disease prevention, emergency preparedness, vital records management (birth and death certificates), mental health and substance abuse data collection, immunization programs, maternal and child health initiatives, community wellness programs, and oversight for public health regulations. It does not develop or commercialize drugs or therapies[1][2][3][4][5]. DSHS was established in 2003 through the merger of four state agencies to streamline public health operations in Texas. Its mission centers on promoting and protecting the health of Texans across all communities[4]. The agency operates eight regional offices throughout the state. Dr. Jennifer Shuford has served as Commissioner since December 2022[4]. As a government entity focused on population-level interventions rather than product development or commercialization typical in biotech/pharma sectors, it does not have a drug pipeline or clinical-stage products. DSHS provides leadership in areas such as infectious disease control (including COVID‑19 response), chronic disease prevention (e.g., tobacco cessation), school-based wellness initiatives, environmental health monitoring, licensing healthcare professionals/facilities[1][3][5], and collecting/reporting statewide public health data. The department also manages large-scale surveys like the biennial Texas School Survey on substance use among students—the largest survey of its kind nationally[4].

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