Press Release Archives - Harris County ESD 11

On This Month’s “Hey Dr. K” ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Sounds the Alarm on Skyrocketing Harris County eBike Injuries and Hospitalizations

Spring, Tx. August 12, 2026: Motorized e-vehicle injuries are up 11,000 percent over 5 years according to Harris County Public Heath statistics. But the popularity of the vehicles continues to soar. As students across the Houston area prepare to return to school, Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare is reminding families about the importance of e-bike safety.

In the latest installment of our “Hey Dr. K” video series, Dr. Jay Kovar answers an important question for riders and parents: How can I keep myself safe on an e-bike?

E-bikes have become increasingly popular transportation and recreational options for children, teens and adults. With that popularity comes an increased need for riders to understand the risks associated with crashes, falls and other e-bike-related injuries.

Dr. Kovar provides practical safety information designed to help riders reduce their risk of serious injury and make safer choices while operating an e-bike.

“E-bikes can be a great way to get around, but riders need to understand that they are operating a motorized vehicle capable of reaching significant speeds,” said Dr. Kovar. “Taking a few simple precautions can make a tremendous difference when it comes to preventing serious injuries.”

As the new school year begins, ESD 11 encourages parents and young riders to discuss e-bike safety before heading out on the road or neighborhood streets. Riders should understand how their e-bike operates, follow traffic laws, remain alert to their surroundings and use appropriate protective equipment.

The video is part of Harris County ESD 11’s ongoing commitment to community health education and injury prevention. Through the “Hey Dr. K” series, Dr. Kovar addresses timely medical and safety issues and provides residents with accessible information that can help prevent injuries and save lives.

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:     

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare covers a 177 square mile area of northern Harris County with over 700,000 residents, the largest Emergency Service District in the state of Texas.  Harris County ESD 11 receives over 65,000 calls a year and consistently ranks among the best EMS services in the country for speed of response, patient satisfaction and quality of care. The Harris County Emergency Services District 11 Communication Center, known as Control, is recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency dispatch services. As an ACE-accredited agency, we enjoy increased visibility in community service, enhanced support in litigation and liability management, and improved recruitment and retention, affirming the value and impact of our team’s work.       

On This Month’s “Hey Dr. K” ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Sounds the Alarm on Skyrocketing Harris County eBike Injuries and Hospitalizations Read More »

Harris County ESD 11 Communication Center Earns Prestigious ACE Accreditation, Recognizing Excellence in Emergency Dispatch

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — August 6, 2026 — Harris County Emergency Services District 11 is proud to announce that its 911 Emergency Communications Center, known as Control, has been recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).

This prestigious accreditation recognizes emergency dispatch centers that demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence, quality assurance, professional development and the highest standards in emergency communications.

“Our dispatchers are the first, first responders,” said Juan Rodriguez, Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Communications Manager. “Before an ambulance arrives, before a paramedic reaches the patient, our communications team is already working to assess the situation, provide lifesaving instructions and get the appropriate resources moving. This accreditation recognizes the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who do that work every day.”

ACE accreditation is awarded through the IAED’s Accredited Center of Excellence program, which recognizes agencies that meet rigorous standards for emergency dispatch operations and demonstrate a culture of continuous improvement.

“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement”, said Christof Chwojka, Accreditation Board Chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers, and leadership team at Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first, first responders to do an outstanding job.”

Accreditation standards are evaluated every three years, and the receiving agency must maintain the same standards of excellence throughout the three-year period. This is the second time Harris County ESD 11 has received the ACE accreditation

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:   

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare covers a 177 square mile area of northern Harris County with over 700,000 residents, the largest Emergency Service District in the state of Texas.  Harris County ESD 11 receives over 65,000 calls a year and consistently ranks among the best EMS services in the country for speed of response, patient satisfaction and quality of care. The Harris County Emergency Services District 11 Communication Center, known as Control, is recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency dispatch services. As an ACE-accredited agency, we enjoy increased visibility in community service, enhanced support in litigation and liability management, and improved recruitment and retention, affirming the value and impact of our team’s work.     

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, ESD 11 Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

Harris County ESD 11 Communication Center Earns Prestigious ACE Accreditation, Recognizing Excellence in Emergency Dispatch Read More »

Harris County ESD 11 Team Members Recognized Among Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network Award Winners

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — August 6, 2026 — Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 (Harris County ESD 11) is proud to recognize several members of its team who were honored last week during the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) awards luncheon.

Three ESD 11 team members received GHC 9-1-1 honors, recognizing their outstanding contributions to emergency communications and the communities they serve.

Ashley Harrison was named Telecommunicator of the Year, and Allison De La Vega was named Trainer of the Year. Both awards were selected through voting by GHC 9-1-1 and represent significant recognition of their professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence.

In addition, Nicole Ward received the Silent Hero recognition. While the Silent Hero designation is a recognition rather than a traditional voted award, it honors individuals whose contributions and dedication often happen behind the scenes and whose work makes a meaningful difference to their colleagues and the public.

ESD 11 leadership and staff nominated team members across several categories for recognition through state and regional emergency communications organizations. Those nominations included:

Texas APCO Award Nominations

Technical Professional of the Year: Andrew Anderson
Telecommunicator of the Year: Ashley Harrison
Trainer of the Year: Allison De La Vega

Texas NENA Award Nominations

Telecommunicator of the Year: Carmel Guerrero
Silent Hero: Nicole Ward — Winner

GHC 9-1-1 Award Nominations

Telecommunicator of the Year: Ashley Harrison — Winner
Trainer of the Year: Allison De La Vega — Winner
Supervisor of the Year: Victoria Castillo
Rookie of the Year: Melvin Smith
Team of the Year: Christine Mangum, Dolores Merlos and Nicole Ward

“We are incredibly proud of every one of our nominees and especially grateful that their dedication is being recognized by their peers and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network,” says Juan Rodriguez Communications Manager. “These honors reflect not only the individual accomplishments of Ashley, Allison and Nicole, but also the professionalism and commitment demonstrated every day by our entire emergency communications team.”

The recognition of Allison De La Vega as Trainer of the Year is particularly meaningful as her role involves helping prepare and develop the next generation of emergency communications professionals. Her dedication to training and supporting her colleagues contributes directly to the quality of service provided to the community.

ESD 11 congratulates Ashley Harrison, Allison De La Vega and Nicole Ward on their well-deserved GHC 9-1-1 recognitions and thanks all of the nominees for their continued service and dedication.

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:     

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, ESD 11 Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

Harris County ESD 11 Team Members Recognized Among Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network Award Winners Read More »

ESD 11 EMS Back-to-School e-Bike Safety Campaign Covered by FOX and Telemundo As They Spotlight Growing Safety Concerns as Families Prepare for the New School Year

SPRING, Texas (August 6, 2026) — Harris County ESD 11 EMS’s recent back-to-school e-bike safety campaign received widespread television coverage this week, with Houston’s FOX affiliate and Telemundo featuring the agency’s warning about the dramatic increase in e-bike and e-scooter injuries among children and teenagers.

The news stories highlighted the alarming rise in injuries across Harris County and reinforced ESD 11 EMS’s message that parents should understand the risks associated with motorized motorcycles, bikes and scooters before purchasing them for students traveling to and from school.

“The overwhelming media response demonstrates that this is a community safety issue affecting families throughout our region,” said Dr. Jay Kovar, Medical Director for ESD 11 EMS. “Our goal is not to discourage the use of e-bikes, but to ensure parents have the information they need to make safe decisions and help prevent serious injuries.”

Dr. Kovar was joined by Nancy De La Fuente from Harris County Public Health who provided the alarming statistics

The television reports showed a sharp increase in reported e-bike, e-scooter, and e-motorcycle injuries in Harris County, with emergency physicians noting that many of the most severe injuries involve riders who were not wearing helmets.

ESD 11 EMS partnered with Wayne Arrington, owner of Arride Bikes in The Woodlands and Tomball, to educate parents about selecting age-appropriate e-bikes, choosing properly fitted helmets, understanding local traffic laws, and teaching safe riding habits before students begin commuting to school.

“We appreciate our local media partners for helping amplify this important public safety message,” said Dr. Kovar. “By reaching families before the school year begins, we hope to reduce preventable injuries and encourage responsible riding throughout our community.”As students return to classrooms, ESD 11 EMS continues to encourage parents to:

Choose age-appropriate electric bikes and scooters.
Require riders to wear properly fitted helmets every trip.
Teach students the rules of the road before allowing them to ride on public streets.
Understand the speed and capabilities of any motorized vehicle before purchase.
Supervise new riders until they demonstrate safe operating skills.

ESD 11 EMS remains committed to educating the community through injury prevention initiatives and partnerships with local schools, retailers, healthcare providers, and media organizations.

About ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare   

ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare covers a 177 square mile area of northern Harris County with over 700,000 residents, the largest Emergency Service District in the state of Texas.  ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare receives over 65,000 calls a year and consistently ranks among the best EMS services in the country for speed of response, patient satisfaction and quality of care. The Harris County Emergency Services District 11 Communication Center, known as Control, is recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency dispatch services. As an ACE-accredited agency, we enjoy increased visibility in community service, enhanced support in litigation and liability management, and improved recruitment and retention, affirming the value and impact of our team’s work.  

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

ESD 11 EMS Back-to-School e-Bike Safety Campaign Covered by FOX and Telemundo As They Spotlight Growing Safety Concerns as Families Prepare for the New School Year Read More »

Harris County ESD 11 Responders on the Front Lines of Historic Texas Flood Recovery

Spring, Tx. July 20, 2026: Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare In-Charge Paramedic Maci Kennedy and EMT Milagro Cruz are in Laredo today working with other public agencies through the SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) addressing dangerous flooding. Last week Kennedy and Cruz were deployed to Kerr and Kendall counties in central Texas with SETRAC and Emergency Medical Task Force 6 (EMTF6) to assist with disaster operations.

“The majority of our calls have been wellness checks, but because of the flooded-out roads, we have had to conduct them on foot,” says Kennedy. “This deployment has been an incredible eye-opening experience. The flooding in the Texas Hill Country is unlike what we typically encounter in Harris County. The water moves with incredible speed and force, creating a level of destruction that is difficult to comprehend until you witness it firsthand.”

“It has been heartbreaking to see families forced to leave behind everything they own, and in some cases, to watch entire homes be swept away by the river. Yet despite these tremendous losses, the resilience of these communities has been nothing short of inspiring. Many of those affected have immediately turned their focus toward helping others- preparing meals, opening their homes and supporting their neighbors in any way they can.”

Maci Kennedy and Milagro Cruz have traveled to San Antonio, Kerrville, Crystal City, Dilley and now Laredo in their efforts to assist residents through the program.

About SETRAC: The mission of the SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council is to develop and sustain a powerful coalition of providers, responders, and other healthcare related partners united to save lives and improve health outcomes through research, education and collaboration.

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:    Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare covers a 177 square mile area of northern Harris County with over 700,000 residents, the largest Emergency Service District in the state of Texas.  Harris County ESD 11 receives over 65,000 calls a year and consistently ranks among the best EMS services in the country for speed of response, patient satisfaction and quality of care. The Harris County Emergency Services District 11 Communication Center, known as Control, is recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency dispatch services. As an ACE-accredited agency, we enjoy increased visibility in community service, enhanced support in litigation and liability management, and improved recruitment and retention, affirming the value and impact of our team’s work.         

Harris County ESD 11 Responders on the Front Lines of Historic Texas Flood Recovery Read More »

COO Nick Smith presents Cori Rocha with Cy-Fair Chamber award

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Field Training Officer Cori Rocha Awarded Community Lifesaver by Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce

  Spring, Tx. July 13, 2026: The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Harris County ESD 11 Field Training Officer Cori Rocha for her outstanding work serving the community.

Harris County ESD 11 Chief Operating Officer Nick Smith presented Cori with the award on behalf of the Chamber at a luncheon attended by many community and Chamber members at the Cy-Fair ISD Performing Arts Center.

“Recently Cori was dispatched to a pregnancy complications call. This patient had recently been discharged from the hospital due to a miscarriage. Miscarriages are unfortunately a common issue with pregnancy, but usually, most do not have a lot of complications. On this day, Cori found a patient who was experiencing life-threatening bleeding,” says Chief Operating Officer Nick Smith.

“While it does not happen often, this is a complication that can lead to death without quick recognition and treatment. Cori quickly identified the critical nature of this bleeding and knew that this patient would benefit from Blood Product Administration. Cori was aware that a Field Supervisor had been added to this call already, so she moved quickly to prepare the patient so that Blood Products could be administered quickly once the Field Supervisor arrived. Cori was able to quickly get Blood Products administered to this patient. The patient experienced improvements almost immediately. The patient had improvements in her vital signs, her overall appearance, and most importantly, she reported that she felt much better. The patient was transported to the hospital and continued to improve.”

About The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce:

Since 1986, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in the growth of the community. The Chamber is a member-driven organization which serves the community by providing value to businesses through advocacy, leadership and growth. The Chamber does this by uniting Cy-Fair member businesses and creating strategic partnerships in transportation, education, and local infrastructure.

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:      

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, ESD 11 Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Field Training Officer Cori Rocha Awarded Community Lifesaver by Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Read More »

Harris County ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Talks Firework Safety and Injury Prevention During KHOU-TV Morning Show Interview

HOUSTON, TX July 2, 2026 As Independence Day celebrations approach, ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar joined the Spring Fire Department for a series of morning show interviews focused on firework safety and injury prevention, encouraging residents to celebrate responsibly and take precautions to protect themselves and their families.

During the interviews, Dr. Kovar emphasized that while fireworks are a cherished holiday tradition, they can also cause serious injuries when handled improperly. Burns, eye injuries, hand trauma, and hearing damage are among the most common emergency department visits associated with fireworks each year. Many of these injuries are preventable through proper safety practices and increased public awareness.

“Celebrating with family and friends should be memorable for the right reasons,” said Dr. Jay Kovar. “By following basic safety guidelines, keeping a safe distance from fireworks, supervising children, and attending professional fireworks displays whenever possible, we can help reduce preventable injuries and keep our communities safe.”

The discussion also highlighted the importance of adult supervision, maintaining a safe distance from fireworks after they are lit, never attempting to relight malfunctioning fireworks, and having water readily available in case of a fire or emergency. Residents were reminded that sparklers, often perceived as harmless, can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and should be used with extreme caution around children.

The Spring Fire Department echoed the importance of community education and encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with local regulations regarding fireworks while prioritizing safety throughout the holiday weekend.

About ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare   

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

Harris County ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Talks Firework Safety and Injury Prevention During KHOU-TV Morning Show Interview Read More »

It’s Men’s Health Month: Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Medical Director Dr Jay Kovar Discusses Men’s Health Issues and Prevention

Spring, TX June 11, 2026 In recognition of Men’s Health Month, Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar is encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health by understanding the common medical conditions that become more prevalent with age and the steps they can take to improve their overall well-being.

In the latest installment of the “Hey Dr. K” video series, Dr. Kovar discusses some of the most common health concerns affecting men, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and mental health challenges. He emphasizes the importance of preventive care, regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention.

“Many of the health problems men face as they age can be prevented or managed through routine medical care and healthy habits,” said Dr. Kovar. “Regular checkups, exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and addressing mental health concerns are all critical components of living a longer, healthier life.”

According to health experts, men are often less likely than women to seek preventive medical care, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Men’s Health Month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about preventable health conditions and encourage men to make their health a priority.

During the video, Dr. Kovar provides practical advice on reducing risk factors for chronic disease, recognizing warning signs that warrant medical attention, and building sustainable habits that support long-term health and wellness.

The educational video is part of Harris County ESD 11’s ongoing commitment to community health education and empowering residents with information that can improve quality of life and potentially save lives.

To watch the full video click here and subscribe to our You Tube channel:  

 Dr. Kovar is here to answer your questions as well, just call 281-524-7660 for more information. As always, if you are experiencing an emergency, remember to call 911. 

About ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare   

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

It’s Men’s Health Month: Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Medical Director Dr Jay Kovar Discusses Men’s Health Issues and Prevention Read More »

Fox 26 Interviews Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson About World Cup EMS Preparations

Spring, Tx. June 9, 2026: Fox 26 morning reporter Ruben Dominguez visited the Harris County ESD 11 call center to discuss the extensive planning and coordination underway to help keep residents, visitors, and fans safe during the upcoming World Cup in Houston.

“We have ways of getting in touch with other agencies in the moment, but we’ve also been meeting monthly, all the leaders of EMS together we all collectively, each agency sends one ambulance and that together with all the agencies gets you plenty of ambulances when you need it,” says Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson.    “We’re no stranger to disasters in Houston and if your particular area gets flooded with calls we can call the local agencies, and they can send ambulances and we have had that well understood for any potential disaster we have here. Also, because of the international aspect of the fan base we anticipate foreign language calls as well and we are prepared with a language line that helps us 24/7 that we can utilize.”

From emergency response readiness to interagency collaboration, ESD 11 is committed to ensuring a safe and successful experience for everyone attending this global event.

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare:      

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, ESD 11 Public Information Officer 346-226-8808  

Fox 26 Interviews Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson About World Cup EMS Preparations Read More »

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Crew Honored by HCA Northwest Hospital for Trauma Care

Houston, Tx. May 26, 2026: HCA Northwest Hospital honored Harris County ESD 11 (HCESD11) medics,Summiya Ansari, Attendant Paramedic and Michael Pregeant, Field Supervisor during EMS week for their outstanding care of a trauma patient. The patient suffered stab wounds to the clavicle and thigh in January of 2026.

“Summiya Ansari and Michael Pregeant responded to the call and thanks to their extraordinary care, the patient survived,” says Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson. “We are so proud of Summiya and Michael and our team here, we are in the business of saving lives and this is just another example of the incredible work they do in our community every day.”

About HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest Hospital

HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest is a 423-bed, full-service acute care hospital located in north Houston, Texas. Founded in 1973, it is a partially physician-owned facility recognized as a Level II Trauma Center, an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, and is ranked among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide

About Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare: 

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare covers a 177 square mile area of northern Harris County with over 700,000 residents, the largest Emergency Service District in the state of Texas.  Harris County ESD 11 receives over 65,000 calls a year and consistently ranks among the best EMS services in the country for speed of response, patient satisfaction and quality of care. The Harris County Emergency Services District 11 Communication Center, known as Control, is recognized as an ACE Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to excellence in emergency dispatch services. As an ACE-accredited agency, we enjoy increased visibility in community service, enhanced support in litigation and liability management, and improved recruitment and retention, affirming the value and impact of our team’s work.   

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Contact: Miranda Sevcik, ESD 11 Public Information Officer 346-226-8808 

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Crew Honored by HCA Northwest Hospital for Trauma Care Read More »

Ready to make a difference? Join Our Team

Harris County ESD 11 is looking for dedicated professionals to provide compassionate, high-quality emergency care to our community. Be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and service.

YOUR CARE. OUR PRIORITY.

Press Release

On This Month’s “Hey Dr. K” ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Sounds the Alarm on Skyrocketing Harris County eBike Injuries and Hospitalizations

Harris County ESD 11 Communication Center Earns Prestigious ACE Accreditation, Recognizing Excellence in Emergency Dispatch

Harris County ESD 11 Team Members Recognized Among Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network Award Winners

ESD 11 EMS Back-to-School e-Bike Safety Campaign Covered by FOX and Telemundo As They Spotlight Growing Safety Concerns as Families Prepare for the New School Year

Harris County ESD 11 Responders on the Front Lines of Historic Texas Flood Recovery

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Field Training Officer Cori Rocha Awarded Community Lifesaver by Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce

Harris County ESD 11 Medical Director Dr. Jay Kovar Talks Firework Safety and Injury Prevention During KHOU-TV Morning Show Interview

It’s Men’s Health Month: Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Medical Director Dr Jay Kovar Discusses Men’s Health Issues and Prevention

Fox 26 Interviews Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson About World Cup EMS Preparations

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare Crew Honored by HCA Northwest Hospital for Trauma Care

Recognized for Excellence

YOUR CARE. OUR PRIORITY.

Ready to make a difference? Join Our Team

Harris County ESD 11 is looking for dedicated professionals to provide compassionate, high-quality emergency care to our community. Be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and service.