FAQs • Abilene, TX • CivicEngage

Does the Health District investigate communicable diseases?: The Health District investigates communicable diseases and can be reached at 325-692-5600. Doctors, hospitals, and laboratories are required to report certain communicable diseases to the Health District. Reported diseases are investigated in order to minimize risks of transmitting the disease to others, and to determine appropriate public health interventions to reduce risks to the community.

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Health Department

1. Do I need an appointment to receive immunizations at the Health District?

Yes. We are requiring all Immunization Services to be scheduled appointments at this time. Please call 325-692-5600 to schedule your appointment. Immunization hours are Monday through Friday, 9 until 11:45 am and 1 until 4 pm. In addition, immunizations are also given until 6 pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month. Be sure to bring any shot records you have for your child when you come to the clinic.

Due to COVID, services may be interrupted, delayed or closed. Please call for the most up to date information.

Resources

You may also contact the Health District at 325-692-5600 for information on the vaccination requirements for the areas you plan to visit.

2. Does the Health District investigate communicable diseases?: The Health District investigates communicable diseases and can be reached at 325-692-5600. Doctors, hospitals, and laboratories are required to report certain communicable diseases to the Health District. Reported diseases are investigated in order to minimize risks of transmitting the disease to others, and to determine appropriate public health interventions to reduce risks to the community.

3. Does the Health District accept credit or debit cards?: The health district accepts checks and cash only with the exception of online or in person kiosk ordering of birth and death records which accept debit and credit cards for a small fee.

4. Does the Health District offer HIV Testing?

Confidential testing for HIV is available at the MERCY Health Care Center located at 1902 Shelton Street. Rapid HIV testing is available to patients that qualify medically. Testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted diseases are also offered for a small co-pay.

Due to COVID, services may be interrupted, delayed or closed. Please call for the most up to date information.

Walk-in Clinic

The STD clinic is a walk-in clinic that opens at 8 am, Monday through Thursday by appointment Walk-ins are available on a limited basis.
Consult for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services are also available through the STD clinic by appointment only.
Free STD testing is the first Monday of every month.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 325-676-6634, ext. 3.

5. Does the Health District provide medical care for the uninsured?

The Health District provides medical care for uninsured men, women, and children through various grants and programs that are based on the financial eligibility of the individual/family. Your level of coverage and types of services provided are dependent upon the program you qualify for. Please come to the clinic with proof of income such as one month of pay stubs, social security award letter or taxes, and a valid ID to apply. If you do not have these items please speak to our eligibility specialist to see how we may still be able to help you. Please apply at MERCY Health Care Center located at 1902 Shelton Street, and call 325-676-6634.

MERCY Health Care Center provides medical care for family planning services through various grants and programs based on the financial eligibility of the individual/family. MERCY Health Care Center also has a self pay option available.

6. What are the costs for medical care at the Health District?: Costs for medical care may vary depending on the service you need and the program you are eligible for. While some programs cover costs completely others may require the patient to pay a portion of their charges according to their income. You will be fully informed of your financial responsibility prior to receiving services.

7. What family planning services are available at the Health District?: Family Planning services include a physical exam, education, STD screening and selected method of contraception. LARCs (IUD and nexplanon) are available for insertion at the time of your appointment. We also offer preconception counseling and early prenatal appointments. Call 325-676-6634 for more information about eligibility or to schedule an appointment. MERCY Health Care Center is located at 1902 Shelton Street. Monday through Friday 8 to 12 and 1 to 5. Call 325-676-6634 for more information.

8. How can I get a copy of a birth certificate?: Online ordering for Birth and Death Certificates is now available using our Vital Records Portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 325-692-5600 or visit our Vital Statistics page.

9. How can I request corrections to a birth certificate?

If you need to make corrections to a birth certificate, applications may be obtained from the Vital Statistics office. You will need to:

Have the application signed in front of a notary by the attending physician, the parent, an older sister or brother. If the child is a minor, both parents must sign the affidavit.
Mail the application with the appropriate fee to Austin, Texas. To determine the cost, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.

You'll be notified within four to six months about the correction. If you need to add a father's name, you can either file a paternity form or obtain a court order. The forms you need are available at the Vital Statistics office, and our staff is available to assist you. Please call 325-692-5600 to set up an appointment.

10. How can I get a certified copy of a death certificate?: Online ordering for Birth and Death Certificates is now available using our Vital Records Portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 325-692-5600 or visit our Vital Statistics page.