On March 10, the Hays County Commissioner’s Court approved the recognition of Women’s History, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day as holidays in March and ratified a short-term transitional housing grant.
To honor the historical social, economical, cultural and political contributions and leadership of women in America and in the Hays County community, the court issued a proclamation for the annual celebration of Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month was created to recognize the substantial impact that women have had throughout American history. To honor this, several women who currently serve or have previously in Hays County were also named in session.
“Women have played a vital role in the development of Hays County and the state of Texas, contributing as educators, public servants, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, community advocates, artists, scientists, and leaders in every field of endeavor.” commissioner Michelle Cohen said.
Cohen further stated the Commissioner Court’s goal to support quality leadership of women in the Hays County community.
World TB Day was created to recognize the growing problem that is tuberculosis in the U.S, and to bring awareness to the issue at large. TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through the air via infected droplets. According to the WHO, it is the world’s top infectious killer.
“I want to thank you all for recognizing the proclamation for World TB Day… Many individuals, when they start to be aware of the county and start to be aware of the health department, they think of things like maternal health and immunizations, and one small thing that they’re not aware of is tuberculosis, and it comes off as a shock to them that that’s something that is still present in our community,” Hays County health department director Matthew Gonzalez said.
TB is still a prevalent issue, especially in Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas TB rate in 2021 (most recent data) was 3.38 cases per person, thus making Texas second in the nation for tuberculosis.
The Commissioner’s Court ratified a previously approved $18,000 grant to be used for short-term transitional housing. The money will be used towards increasing access to affordable housing, and the project is ran by the Mental Health Court and Assisted Outpatient treatment programs.
“Preventing homeless cost pennies on the dollar compared to those who have been evicted from their homes. But beyond the numbers, there is the human impact. Every eviction notice comes with the stress on the family. Possibly with children, a senior, that because of a short-term financial problem, crisis, their world is turned upside down.” Southside Community Center treasurer Claude Churchwell said.
Housing continues to be a high priority for the San Marcos community, as outlined in the city’s 2025-2029 High Priority Needs plan.
On a select amount of Tuesday’s the Hays County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Find out more on their website.
