Environmental and Health Services

Frequently Asked Questions - Public Health Issues

How can I get information on child immunizations?
Call the Department of Environmental and Health Services Immunization Help Line at (214) 670-0519.

How can I get my blood lead level checked?
Call the West Dallas Health Center at (214) 670-7152 for information about blood lead screening.

Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?
Citizens can get their blood pressure checked at fire stations every Saturday between 1 and 6 p.m. (Station personnel are subject to emergency calls 24 hours a day.) For immediate emergency medical attention, call 9-l-1.

Where can I receive low-cost dental care?
Dental services are available for eligible Dallas residents from Dental Health Programs, Inc. Call (214) 630-7080 for eligibility criteria and information.

How do I report a suspected case of child abuse?
If you believe that a child has been abused or neglected or that a child has died of abuse or neglect, you must report your suspicion to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or a law enforcement agency and file a subsequent written report. Call the 24-hour abuse hotline, 800-336-7788, metro (817) 640-6200, or a law enforcement agency (9-1-1).

Are any health clinics open for immunizations on weekends or evenings?
Some health clinics offer extended hours on weekdays and/or Saturday hours. Call (214) 670-0519 for information about City immunization clinic schedules. For Dallas County immunization clinic schedules, call (214) 819-2000.

Frequently Asked Questions - Vital Statistics

Where is the Bureau of Vital Statistics located, what are its hours of operation and telephone number?
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is located at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla Street, 1FN. The office is open Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Metered parking is available on the south side of Dallas City Hall. Our lobby entrance faces Akard Street.

What are the requirements for obtaining a birth or death certificate?
The identification requirement for a qualified person to obtain a birth or death certificate is ONE of the following: (1) valid driver's license, (2) state/county/city employee identification card, or (3) Matricula Consular card. If you do not meet these criteria, please contact our office. Only a properly qualified person can obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates.

How long does it take to obtain a birth or death certificate?
The waiting time at the Bureau of Vital Statistics office can be between five to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day or year.

Can the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Dallas provide birth certificates for persons born in other Texas cities?
Yes. Birth certificates can usually be provided for those born in other Texas cities from 1926 to the present.

What are the fees for obtaining a birth certificate, birth card, and death certificate?
Go to the City´s Vital Statistics page for a complete list of fees and other information.

What form of payments does the Bureau of Vital Statistics accept?
The Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts cash, business checks and debt/credit cards. There is a $7.00 convenience fee for debt/credit cards payments. No personal check accepted.

What is the address for the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Austin?
State Bureau of Vital Statistics
Texas Department of Health
P. O. Box 12040
Austin, Texas 78711-2040

Can birth and death certificates be purchased over the telephone?
No.

Can another person obtain a copy of someone else's birth certificate?
Yes. The person must be a properly qualified applicant such as an immediate family member (e.g., father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, grandparent, stepparent or stepsibling) or a legal or personal representative with a notarized letter of authorization and a copy of the applicant's identification. The same criteria apply for requesting copies of death certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions - Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

How can I find out if I am eligible for food stamps?
Contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services at metro (817) 264-4000.

How can I find out if I qualify for the WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)?
Call the WIC administrative office at (214) 670-7200 and provide your ZIP code to find out the location and phone number of the WIC clinic nearest you. Call the nearest clinic to make an appointment to determine eligibility.

What services and benefits does the WIC program provide?
WIC provides food packages (milk, cheese, cereal, fruit juice, eggs, beans, peanut butter, and infant formula); nutrition classes; breast-feeding promotion and support; and referrals for health and social services. Some sites also provide free immunizations for participants. All services are provided to eligible participants only.

How do I report a suspected case of child abuse?
If you believe that a child has been abused or neglected or that a child has died of abuse or neglect, you must report your suspicion to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or a law enforcement agency and file a subsequent written report. Call the 24-hour abuse hotline, 800-336-7788, metro (817) 640-6200, or a law enforcement agency (9-1-1).

Who do I call regarding obtaining a child care license?
To apply for a child care license, call the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services at (214) 951-7902.