Harlingen Health Department

07/07/2026

🐾☀️ South Texas temperatures can rise quickly—and so can the risk of heat-related illness for our pets. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your four-legged family members safe and comfortable all summer long.

As the days get hotter, remember to:

💧 Provide plenty of fresh, clean water to keep your pets hydrated.

🌅 Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or later in the evening, and avoid hot pavement that can burn sensitive paw pads.

🏡 Bring pets indoors or provide a cool, shaded area during periods of extreme heat. Never assume they'll be comfortable outside all day.

🚗 Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can become dangerous within minutes.

A little planning goes a long way in protecting our furry companions from the summer heat. If it's too hot for you, it's probably too hot for them, too. ❤️🐶🐱

Let's work together to keep every pet in our community safe, healthy, and cool this summer.

Together, we keep Harlingen strong and healthy. 💚

📞 For animal care resources or questions, contact the Harlingen Health Department at (956) 216-5220.

07/06/2026

🎆 The holiday may be over, but mosquito season is still going strong! 🦟 As you clean up after your Fourth of July celebrations, take a few extra minutes to check your yard for anything that may be holding standing water.

Items like coolers, buckets, flower pot saucers, bird baths, old tires, and even children's toys can collect water and become ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. The good news? It only takes a few minutes to help reduce their population around your home.

As you're putting away the decorations and cleaning up the backyard, remember to:

✅ Empty buckets, coolers, and other containers
✅ Refresh bird baths with clean water
✅ Drain flower pot saucers
✅ Check old tires for standing water
✅ Pick up toys and containers that can collect rainwater

Small actions make a big impact in protecting your family, your neighbors, and our community from mosquitoes all summer long.

Let's keep the celebration memories—not the mosquitoes! 💚

Together, we keep Harlingen strong and healthy.

07/02/2026

🍔🇺🇸 Fire up the grill, not foodborne illness! Before you celebrate this Fourth of July, take a few simple steps to keep your cookout safe for everyone at the table.

Whether you're hosting family, gathering with friends, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, practicing good food safety can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure your holiday is remembered for the right reasons.

As you swipe through today's tips, remember to:
🌡️ Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
🧼 Wash your hands and cooking surfaces often.
🥩 Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
🥗 Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
🕒 Don't leave perishable foods out for more than 2 hours—or 1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F, which is common during South Texas summers.

A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your family, friends, and neighbors while enjoying the holiday.

From all of us at the City of Harlingen Health Department, we wish you a safe, healthy, and Happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

✨ Together, we keep Harlingen strong and healthy.

07/02/2026

~See you back on Monday~

🇺🇸 Holiday Closure Notice 🇺🇸

In observance of Independence Day, all non-emergency city offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. Regular business hours will resume Monday, July 6.

🎆 But don't forget to join us at Freedom Fest on July 4 at Lon C. Hill Park from 5–10 PM for live music, food, fireworks, and family fun!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎇

07/01/2026

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, but for our four-legged family members, the loud noises can be incredibly overwhelming. 🐕💥

Did you know that Independence Day is the busiest time of the year for animal shelters nationwide? Standard fireworks can trigger a pet's flight instinct, causing them to slip out of yards or open doors.

Taking a few simple precautions today ensures your pets stay calm, secure, and right where they belong—home with you.

📞 Contact us at (956) 216-5220.

06/30/2026

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, but for our four-legged family members, the loud noises can be incredibly overwhelming. 🐕💥

Did you know that Independence Day is the busiest time of the year for animal shelters nationwide? Standard fireworks can trigger a pet's flight instinct, causing them to slip out of yards or open doors.

Taking a few simple precautions today ensures your pets stay calm, secure, and right where they belong—home with you.

📞 Contact us at (956) 216-5220.

06/30/2026

🎉Harlingen Market Days is THIS SATURDAY!🎉
Join us on Saturday, July 4, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary! ❤️🤍💙
Spend the day shopping local, supporting our amazing vendors and small businesses, and enjoying the festive atmosphere with family and friends.
🛍️ Shop Local
🎆 Celebrate 250 Years
❤️ Support Small Businesses
A special thank you to our event sponsors, TSTC Enrollment and Elizondo Insurance Services, for helping make this event possible!
We can't wait to see you there! ✨

06/29/2026

Every great history begins with an official record. 🇺🇸📜

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day and look back at our nation's historic documents, the City of Harlingen Vital Statistics division reminds you of the importance of protecting your own family's personal history.

Certified birth and death records are the foundation for major life milestones—whether you're applying for a summer travel passport, updating secure identification, or getting a head start on school and league registrations.

To protect community privacy and keep identity data secure, certified copies are strictly restricted to qualified applicants. Plan ahead, check your documentation requirements, and let our team help you stay organized this summer!

📍 Vital Statistics Office Hours:
🗓️ Monday through Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
📞 Direct Contact: (956) 216-5140

06/26/2026

The weekend is finally here! 🌿 After a busy week, it's time to hit the reset button.

Public health starts with personal wellness. Whether you're relaxing at home, firing up the grill, or spending time outdoors, don't forget to take a little time for yourself to rest, rehydrate, and recharge.

Wishing a safe, healthy, and happy weekend to our entire Harlingen community!

📞 For city health department resources and directory information, visit our page or call (956) 216-5220.

06/25/2026

🦟 Mosquitoes can breed in even the smallest amounts of standing water. Take a few minutes this week to tip, toss, and empty containers around your home.

Turns out, mosquitoes love some things even more than you love an iced coffee. ☕💚

🦟 Bird baths
🦟 Old tires
🦟 Plant saucers
🦟 Buckets

To mosquitoes, these aren't random household items—they're prime real estate for laying eggs and multiplying fast.

The good news? A quick yard check can make a big difference. Dump standing water, refresh pet water bowls often, and store containers where they won't collect rainwater.

Let's not give mosquitoes free real estate. 🏡🚫🦟

Together, we keep Harlingen strong and healthy.