Examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses can be found in Odessa, Texas. These providers embody a spread of diagnostic procedures designed to establish numerous infections. Testing accessibility varies throughout completely different clinics and healthcare suppliers throughout the metropolis.
Accessing these providers is essential for particular person and public well being. Early detection permits for well timed therapy, stopping the development of infections and decreasing the danger of transmission. Traditionally, restricted entry to testing has contributed to larger charges of STDs; subsequently, available and confidential providers are important for efficient illness management.
The following sections will delve into the precise kinds of checks supplied, places offering these providers, components influencing value, and issues relating to confidentiality and affected person rights.
1. Availability
The extent to which diagnostic providers for sexually transmitted illnesses are accessible instantly influences public well being outcomes in Odessa, Texas. Restricted availability interprets to diminished testing charges, which, in flip, can contribute to larger charges of undiagnosed and untreated infections. This creates a cycle the place elevated prevalence strains current healthcare assets additional, compounding the preliminary downside.
Examples of restricted availability embody restricted hours at testing facilities, geographic disparities in service provision (e.g., fewer choices in sure neighborhoods), and obstacles associated to insurance coverage protection or lack thereof. Consequently, people who’re most susceptible resembling these with restricted monetary assets or transportation could face vital obstacles in accessing vital care. Increasing service hours, establishing cell testing items, and growing the variety of collaborating healthcare suppliers are potential methods to deal with these challenges. As an illustration, a group clinic extending its night hours might instantly enhance accessibility for people working through the day.
In abstract, service accessibility is a crucial determinant of efficient STD prevention and management efforts. Overcoming obstacles to testing requires a multifaceted strategy involving healthcare suppliers, group organizations, and policymakers. Investing in initiatives that improve availability is important for decreasing the burden of sexually transmitted illnesses and selling general well-being throughout the group.
2. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of efficient examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. Its presence or absence instantly influences a person’s willingness to hunt testing and therapy. Issues relating to the privateness of non-public well being info symbolize a major barrier for a lot of, doubtlessly resulting in delayed diagnoses and elevated transmission charges. For instance, a person fearing disclosure to members of the family or employers could keep away from testing, even when symptomatic. This hesitation contributes to the silent unfold of infections throughout the group.
Sustaining strict confidentiality protocols is thus paramount. These protocols contain safe dealing with of affected person data, discreet communication of outcomes, and adherence to authorized rules like HIPAA. Clinics and healthcare suppliers should clearly talk these safeguards to sufferers, fostering belief and inspiring open communication. Think about a state of affairs the place a clinic provides nameless testing choices, assigning numerical codes as a substitute of names. This tangible demonstration of dedication to privateness can considerably enhance affected person participation in screening packages.
Finally, breaches of confidentiality erode public belief and undermine public well being efforts. Reinforcing confidentiality measures, coaching healthcare personnel on privateness rules, and selling consciousness of affected person rights are essential investments. This dedication not solely protects particular person liberties but in addition strengthens the general efficacy of STD prevention and management methods in Odessa, Texas.
3. Value Elements
The monetary side of examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas, considerably impacts entry and utilization. The price of testing is usually a substantial barrier for a lot of people, influencing their determination to hunt screening and doubtlessly affecting public well being outcomes.
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Insurance coverage Protection
The provision and extent of insurance coverage protection play a vital function in figuring out out-of-pocket bills. Insurance policies differ extensively relating to STD testing, with some overlaying routine screening whereas others solely present protection when signs are current. Lack of insurance coverage or insufficient protection can deter people from in search of testing, notably these with restricted monetary assets.
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Sliding Scale Charges
Some clinics and healthcare suppliers supply sliding scale charges primarily based on earnings, making testing extra reasonably priced for low-income people. This mechanism helps mitigate the monetary burden, selling accessibility for susceptible populations. The provision and implementation of sliding scale charges, nonetheless, can differ considerably throughout completely different suppliers.
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Free Clinics and Public Well being Applications
Free or low-cost testing choices are sometimes out there via public well being departments and group clinics. These assets function a significant security internet for people with out insurance coverage or the means to afford non-public healthcare. Nonetheless, demand for these providers could exceed capability, resulting in lengthy wait instances or restricted availability.
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Oblique Prices
Past the direct value of the check itself, oblique prices resembling transportation, childcare, and misplaced wages can even current obstacles. These components disproportionately have an effect on people with restricted assets, additional complicating entry to testing. Addressing these oblique prices via help providers can enhance general accessibility.
The interaction of those value components underscores the complicated challenges people face when in search of examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. Addressing these monetary obstacles is important for selling equitable entry to care and bettering public well being outcomes. Methods to cut back prices, resembling increasing insurance coverage protection, growing funding without spending a dime clinics, and providing transportation help, can contribute to a extra accessible and efficient STD prevention system.
4. Testing Choices
The array of diagnostic decisions out there inside Odessa, Texas for sexually transmitted illnesses is a crucial element of public well being infrastructure. The suitability of a selected check is dependent upon particular person circumstances, danger components, and particular issues, and instantly impacts testing efficacy.
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Sort of Specimen Assortment
Diagnostic procedures could contain blood samples, urine specimens, or swabs collected from numerous websites. The selection of assortment methodology is dependent upon the precise an infection being screened for. For instance, blood checks are generally used for HIV and syphilis, whereas urine samples or swabs are sometimes used for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Every methodology carries distinctive issues relating to sensitivity, ease of assortment, and affected person consolation. Moreover, the accuracy and reliability of check outcomes are contingent on correct assortment methods and adherence to standardized protocols inside Odessa, Texas, medical services.
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Particular Infections Screened For
Out there testing choices differ within the breadth of infections they detect. Some checks display screen for a single STD, whereas others are designed as complete panels that establish a number of infections concurrently. The choice to go for a single check versus a panel is dependent upon particular person danger components and issues. For instance, people with a number of sexual companions would possibly profit from a complete panel, whereas these with particular exposures could select focused testing. Clinicians in Odessa, Texas, play a vital function in guiding people towards probably the most applicable testing technique primarily based on an intensive danger evaluation.
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Turnaround Time for Outcomes
The time required to obtain check outcomes can considerably impression affected person anxiousness and well timed entry to therapy. Some testing strategies, resembling fast checks, present outcomes inside minutes, enabling speedy initiation of therapy or counseling. Different strategies, resembling laboratory-based assays, could take a number of days to provide outcomes. People ought to inquire concerning the anticipated turnaround time when selecting a testing choice, contemplating the potential implications for his or her psychological well-being and follow-up care in Odessa, Texas.
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Level-of-Care Testing Availability
Level-of-care (POC) testing, carried out on the web site of affected person care, provides the benefit of speedy outcomes and facilitates immediate therapy choices. Whereas not universally out there, POC testing can enhance entry to screening, notably in underserved communities or settings with restricted assets inside Odessa, Texas. These checks are more and more frequent and permit for fast prognosis throughout a session.
The variety of examination decisions for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas necessitates knowledgeable decision-making. Healthcare suppliers ought to clearly talk the advantages and limitations of every choice, making certain that people could make decisions aligned with their wants and circumstances. Efficient utilization of accessible checks contributes to earlier detection, immediate therapy, and finally, improved public well being throughout the group.
5. Clinic Areas
The geographic distribution of clinics providing examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses inside Odessa, Texas instantly influences entry and utilization. The focus or dispersal of those services impacts comfort, wait instances, and finally, the effectiveness of public well being initiatives.
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Proximity to Excessive-Danger Populations
The strategic placement of clinics in areas with elevated charges of STDs is essential for focused intervention. Establishing services inside these communities reduces transportation obstacles and improves accessibility for people most in want. Conversely, a scarcity of close by clinics can exacerbate current well being disparities and hinder prevention efforts. Efficient useful resource allocation entails figuring out high-risk areas via epidemiological knowledge and prioritizing the institution or enlargement of testing providers inside these zones. For instance, inserting a clinic close to a group middle frequented by at-risk youth can enhance testing charges in that demographic.
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Accessibility by way of Public Transportation
For people with out private autos, handy entry to public transportation is important for reaching testing services. Clinics positioned alongside bus routes or close to public transportation hubs are extra accessible to a broader inhabitants. Conversely, services positioned in areas poorly served by public transportation could create a major barrier for people with restricted mobility. Public well being planning ought to take into account the accessibility of clinic places by way of public transit, making certain that providers are reachable for all residents. Collaborating with native transit authorities to ascertain or modify routes can additional improve accessibility.
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Clinic Hours and Availability
The working hours of testing services instantly impression their utilization. Clinics with restricted hours, notably throughout evenings and weekends, could also be inaccessible to people with work or household obligations. Extending working hours, providing weekend appointments, or establishing cell testing items can enhance entry for these with scheduling constraints. As an illustration, a clinic providing night hours twice per week might accommodate people unable to go to throughout conventional enterprise hours. Contemplating the varied wants of the group when figuring out clinic hours is paramount.
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Confidentiality and Anonymity Measures
Whereas technically not a location issue, the notion of a clinic’s dedication to affected person privateness can enormously have an effect on willingness to make the most of its providers. A location that’s perceived to be extremely seen or missing in privateness could deter people from in search of testing. Establishing protocols that guarantee confidentiality, resembling discreet entry and exit procedures, will help alleviate these issues. Some clinics could supply nameless testing choices, the place people can obtain providers with out offering their names. These measures improve belief and encourage people to hunt testing with out concern of stigma or discrimination.
The cumulative impression of clinic places underscores their pivotal function in examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. Strategic placement, accessibility, and a dedication to affected person privateness are important for maximizing utilization and bettering public well being outcomes. Ongoing analysis of clinic places and their accessibility is critical to make sure that providers are successfully reaching those that want them most.
6. Remedy Entry
Efficient examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses are inextricably linked to accessible and well timed therapy. A prognosis with out the means to acquire applicable medical care renders the preliminary testing course of largely ineffective, failing to mitigate the unfold of an infection or alleviate particular person struggling. The next sides spotlight the complexities of therapy entry throughout the context of Odessa, Texas.
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Availability of Medicines
The constant availability of efficient drugs is paramount for profitable STD therapy. Shortages or restricted entry to important medicine, resembling particular antibiotics or antivirals, can compromise therapy outcomes and delay infectiousness. Native pharmacies and healthcare services should keep satisfactory provides to fulfill the wants of the group. Moreover, streamlined procurement processes and provide chain administration are essential to forestall disruptions in medicine availability. As an illustration, delays in acquiring penicillin for syphilis therapy can have extreme penalties, notably for pregnant ladies and their unborn kids.
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Affordability of Remedy Regimens
The price of therapy is usually a vital barrier for a lot of people, notably these with out insurance coverage or satisfactory monetary assets. Even with insurance coverage, co-pays and deductibles could make therapy unaffordable. Public well being packages and sliding scale charges supplied by clinics will help mitigate the monetary burden, however the availability of those assets could also be restricted. Untreated infections, pushed by value constraints, contribute to illness development and ongoing transmission throughout the group. Accessible and reasonably priced therapy choices are important for addressing this problem.
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Timeliness of Care Initiation
Immediate initiation of therapy following a constructive prognosis is crucial for stopping problems and interrupting transmission. Delays in accessing care, whether or not as a result of lengthy wait instances, transportation points, or administrative obstacles, can undermine the effectiveness of intervention efforts. Expedited referral pathways and streamlined consumption processes are vital to make sure that people obtain well timed therapy. For instance, some clinics supply same-day therapy for sure STDs, facilitating fast intervention and stopping additional unfold of an infection.
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Adherence Help and Observe-Up Care
Profitable therapy outcomes rely on affected person adherence to prescribed medicine regimens and constant follow-up care. Offering complete help, together with training, counseling, and reminders, can enhance adherence and cut back the danger of therapy failure. Moreover, monitoring therapy response via follow-up testing is important for making certain that infections are successfully cleared. A scarcity of adherence help and follow-up care can result in drug resistance and protracted an infection, posing a menace to each particular person and public well being.
These sides underscore the multifaceted nature of therapy entry throughout the context of examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. Overcoming obstacles to therapy requires a coordinated effort involving healthcare suppliers, public well being businesses, and group organizations. Investments in accessible, reasonably priced, and well timed therapy are important for maximizing the advantages of testing packages and bettering the well being of the group.
7. Prevention Strategies
Efficient prevention methods kind an integral element of sexually transmitted illness management, complementing diagnostic providers out there in Odessa, Texas. These strategies, when correctly carried out and persistently practiced, cut back the incidence of an infection, thereby lowering the demand for and burden on testing assets.
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Condom Use
Constant and proper use of condoms throughout sexual exercise considerably reduces the danger of transmission for a lot of STDs, together with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Public well being campaigns selling condom use, coupled with accessible distribution packages, play a vital function in prevention efforts. Elevated condom utilization interprets to a decrease prevalence of an infection and a corresponding lower within the want for diagnostic testing. For instance, communities with excessive charges of condom use typically exhibit decrease STD incidence charges in comparison with areas with much less constant utilization.
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Vaccination
Vaccines can be found for sure STDs, resembling human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. Widespread vaccination efforts can dramatically cut back the incidence of those infections. HPV vaccination, particularly, has the potential to forestall nearly all of cervical cancers and genital warts. As vaccination charges enhance, the necessity for testing associated to those particular infections diminishes. As an illustration, nations with excessive HPV vaccination protection have noticed a major discount in HPV-related illness burden, resulting in a decreased demand for HPV testing and associated procedures.
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Associate Notification and Remedy
Associate notification, whereby people recognized with an STD inform their sexual companions, permits for testing and therapy of probably contaminated people. This technique interrupts the chain of transmission and prevents additional unfold of an infection. Well timed therapy of contaminated companions reduces the general illness burden and reduces the chance of reinfection. Associate notification packages are a vital part of STD management efforts, working in live performance with diagnostic testing to handle and comprise outbreaks. The effectiveness of those packages depends on each the willingness of people to inform their companions and the accessibility of testing and therapy providers for these companions.
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Training and Consciousness Campaigns
Public well being training campaigns are important for elevating consciousness about STDs, selling safer sexual practices, and inspiring people to hunt testing and therapy. These campaigns can tackle misconceptions about STDs, dispel stigma, and empower people to make knowledgeable choices about their sexual well being. Efficient academic initiatives can result in elevated charges of condom use, earlier prognosis, and diminished transmission. For instance, campaigns that concentrate on particular at-risk populations with tailor-made messaging will be notably efficient in selling conduct change and decreasing STD incidence charges.
The synergy between prevention strategies and examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas, is important for complete illness management. Whereas testing gives essential info for prognosis and therapy, prevention efforts work to cut back the general incidence of an infection, thereby minimizing the necessity for testing in the long run. A holistic strategy that integrates each prevention and testing methods is critical for reaching sustained reductions in STD charges and selling general group well being.
8. Public Well being
The prevalence of sexually transmitted illnesses instantly impacts the general well being and well-being of the inhabitants in Odessa, Texas. Public well being initiatives centered on decreasing STD transmission rely closely on accessible and efficient diagnostic providers. Elevated testing charges enable for earlier detection of infections, resulting in immediate therapy and a lower within the unfold of illness. Conversely, insufficient testing infrastructure contributes to larger charges of undiagnosed infections, negatively affecting each particular person well being and broader group well being outcomes. For instance, restricted availability of testing in sure neighborhoods can lead to localized outbreaks that pressure public well being assets.
STD examination providers are a crucial element of public well being surveillance. Knowledge collected via testing packages gives helpful info on the prevalence of assorted infections, permitting public well being officers to trace tendencies, establish at-risk populations, and implement focused interventions. This knowledge informs the event of public well being campaigns, useful resource allocation choices, and the analysis of current prevention methods. With out strong testing packages, it turns into considerably harder to observe the effectiveness of public well being interventions and adapt methods as wanted. Think about the implementation of a brand new public well being marketing campaign selling protected intercourse practices; the success of this marketing campaign will be measured by monitoring adjustments in STD prevalence charges derived from testing knowledge.
In abstract, accessible and complete STD testing packages are important for safeguarding public well being in Odessa, Texas. These packages facilitate early detection and therapy, help public well being surveillance efforts, and inform the event of efficient prevention methods. Addressing challenges associated to entry, affordability, and confidentiality is essential for maximizing the advantages of testing packages and decreasing the burden of sexually transmitted illnesses on the group.
9. Group Sources
Group assets symbolize a crucial help construction for people in search of examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. These assets tackle systemic obstacles to accessing testing and therapy, together with monetary constraints, lack of transportation, and social stigma. With out such help, many people could forgo testing, resulting in elevated transmission charges and adversarial well being outcomes. For instance, an area non-profit group providing free transportation to testing clinics instantly reduces a major impediment for low-income residents. This motion will increase the chance of early prognosis and intervention.
The provision of free or low-cost clinics, typically funded by group grants or public well being initiatives, gives an important different for people missing insurance coverage protection. These clinics not solely supply diagnostic testing but in addition incessantly present academic assets and counseling providers, empowering people to make knowledgeable choices about their sexual well being. Moreover, community-based organizations typically play a significant function in destigmatizing STD testing via public consciousness campaigns and outreach packages. An area church, for instance, internet hosting a well being honest that features confidential STD testing providers demonstrates a dedication to group well-being and helps normalize in search of care.
In conclusion, group assets are an indispensable factor within the complete effort to fight sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. These assets mitigate obstacles to entry, promote training, and destigmatize testing, contributing considerably to improved public well being outcomes. Continued funding in and help of those group initiatives are important for making certain equitable entry to care and decreasing the prevalence of STDs throughout the group. Challenges stay in securing constant funding and increasing the attain of those packages, underscoring the necessity for ongoing collaboration between healthcare suppliers, public well being businesses, and group organizations.
Incessantly Requested Questions Concerning STD Testing in Odessa, TX
This part addresses frequent inquiries regarding examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas. The knowledge offered goals to offer readability and promote knowledgeable decision-making.
Query 1: What kinds of sexually transmitted illnesses are generally screened for in Odessa, Texas?
Frequent screenings embody checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sure clinics may additionally supply testing for different infections, resembling trichomoniasis and hepatitis B and C.
Query 2: Is examination confidential in Odessa, Texas?
Confidentiality is usually maintained in accordance with healthcare rules resembling HIPAA. Clinics are obligated to guard affected person privateness and forestall unauthorized disclosure of check outcomes. Inquire about particular confidentiality insurance policies on the chosen testing facility.
Query 3: What’s the approximate value of a sexually transmitted illness check in Odessa, Texas?
The price varies relying on the testing facility, the precise checks ordered, and insurance coverage protection. Some clinics supply sliding scale charges or free testing choices for eligible people. Contact particular person clinics to inquire about pricing.
Query 4: The place can one find examination providers for sexually transmitted illnesses in Odessa, Texas?
Testing providers can be found at public well being clinics, non-public doctor workplaces, pressing care facilities, and specialised STD clinics. On-line directories and native well being division assets can present lists of testing places.
Query 5: How lengthy does it take to obtain check leads to Odessa, Texas?
The turnaround time for outcomes varies relying on the kind of check and the testing facility. Speedy checks could present outcomes inside minutes, whereas laboratory-based checks could take a number of days to course of. Verify the anticipated turnaround time with the chosen testing supplier.
Query 6: Is therapy out there in Odessa, Texas if a sexually transmitted illness is detected?
Remedy choices can be found for many STDs. Upon receiving a constructive check end result, a healthcare supplier will prescribe applicable medicine or suggest additional medical administration. Adherence to prescribed therapy regimens is essential for profitable eradication of an infection.
Understanding the nuances of STD testing, from confidentiality to value, ensures accountable decision-making and lively participation in sustaining each particular person and group well-being.
The following part will present actionable steps for people in search of STD testing in Odessa, Texas.
Important Concerns for STD Testing
This part presents essential suggestions to optimize the expertise of present process diagnostic procedures for sexually transmitted illnesses. Adherence to those tips can improve each the effectivity and effectiveness of the method.
Tip 1: Conduct Thorough Analysis on Testing Services. Examine the popularity and credentials of assorted clinics providing STD testing providers. Verify their adherence to established medical protocols and affected person confidentiality requirements. Respected services will show certifications and show a dedication to moral practices.
Tip 2: Decide Insurance coverage Protection Beforehand. Contact the insurance coverage supplier to determine the extent of protection for STD testing. Make clear whether or not particular checks or services are included throughout the plan’s community to keep away from sudden out-of-pocket bills.
Tip 3: Prioritize Confidentiality and Privateness. Search services that demonstrably prioritize affected person confidentiality. Inquire about particular procedures carried out to safeguard private well being info, resembling safe record-keeping and discreet communication strategies.
Tip 4: Perceive the Testing Course of and Choices. Educate oneself relating to the kinds of checks out there, the specimens required (blood, urine, swab), and the related turnaround instances for outcomes. This information empowers people to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their particular wants and danger components.
Tip 5: Put together a Listing of Questions for the Healthcare Supplier. Previous to the appointment, compile a complete record of questions regarding testing procedures, end result interpretation, therapy choices, and preventive measures. This proactive strategy ensures that every one issues are adequately addressed.
Tip 6: Focus on Danger Elements Actually and Overtly. Be forthcoming and truthful with the healthcare supplier relating to sexual historical past, potential exposures, and any signs skilled. Correct info is essential for applicable danger evaluation and correct diagnoses.
These suggestions emphasize the significance of knowledgeable decision-making, proactive communication, and a dedication to safeguarding private well being. By following the following pointers, people can navigate the testing course of with larger confidence and contribute to a more healthy group.
The ultimate part will present a concluding abstract of the important thing factors mentioned all through the article.
Conclusion
This text has explored numerous sides of STD testing odessa tx, emphasizing service availability, confidentiality protocols, value issues, testing choices, accessibility, therapy pathways, prevention methods, public well being implications, and the function of group assets. Every factor contributes considerably to the effectiveness of STD prevention and management throughout the metropolis.
The continued strengthening of testing infrastructure, coupled with strong academic initiatives, stays essential. Elevated consciousness, diminished stigma, and readily accessible providers will collectively foster a more healthy group, selling accountable sexual well being practices and minimizing the impression of sexually transmitted illnesses. Ongoing efforts are important to enhance public well being outcomes and safeguard the well-being of Odessa, Texas residents.
