Leah Barton to head Harris County Public Health as executive director
After serving more than a year as Harris County Public Health’s interim director, Leah Barton was officially appointed to lead the county’s public health department.
Quote of note: “Over the past year, I’ve had the great privilege of leading Harris County Public Health,” Barton said in a Sept. 2 news release. “During that time, we have opened new health hubs, expanded mobile care, strengthened support for families, and responded to public health challenges across our community. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to making health services more accessible, connected, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”
Zooming out: Barton was first tapped to serve in the interim role in 2024 after former HCPH Executive Director Barbie Robinson was removed from her position last August.
Altered States Wellness offers float therapy, cold plunge in Vintage Park
Altered States Wellness, an experiential wellness studio, opened for service in Vintage Park on Aug. 25, business officials confirmed.
What they offer: Owner Justin Kennington said the wellness studio is meant to help combat stress, anxiety and burnout through science-backed therapies. The business offers services such as float therapy, red light therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge and compression boots. Officials said Altered States Wellness was created to make holistic wellness more accessible and approachable for today’s overworked and high-performing individuals.
What's next: A grand opening party for Altered States Wellness will be held Sept. 6, where guests will get free mini sessions of some services, guided tours of the float suites and a free gift for the first 50 visitors, according to an Aug. 19 news release.
Basketball for All brings inclusion to the court for athletes with disabilities
Basketball for All is giving athletes with disabilities a chance to shine on the court while raising awareness for their community. The nonprofit organizes scrimmages played during halftimes at local high school and college basketball games.
About the program: Through Basketball for All, athletes with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in scrimmages during several Cy-Fair ISD high school and college basketball games. Funded by donations and partnerships with several organizations including City Gear, Hibbett Sports and Adidas; Basketball for All participants are able to play free of charge.
Quote of note: “The main impact that I've actually seen throughout the years is the response that we get from the community,” Stevens said. “These individuals bring so much joy to the actual schools that we participate in, whether it's a high school or college, through the sport of basketball. Sports bring people together like anything you can possibly think of.”
