Recognizing Environmental Public Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Service NL
  • Health and Community Services

September 23, 2019

The Provincial Government is highlighting the work of public sector employees in the environmental public health field by recognizing September 23 to 27 as Environmental Public Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s theme – Exploring the Edge – highlights the innovative approach environmental health professionals take to existing and emerging public health concerns such as the adoption of new technologies, and also speaks to the adaptability of these professionals.

Environmental health professionals are responsible for a wide variety of licences and approvals, as well as inspections in a number of areas. They help protect the health of the population through food safety inspections, monitoring the bacteriological quality of drinking water and carrying out health-related inspections of day cares, schools, personal care homes and long-term care and recreational facilities.

Responsibilities also include enforcing smoke-free public areas and the prevention of tobacco sales to youth. They also conduct investigations into communicable diseases, provide approvals and inspections of private sewage disposal and participate in community emergency preparedness and response.

Environmental Public Health Week is a national campaign by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI), the only professional association for public health inspectors in Canada. Environmental public health professionals are certified by the Board of Certification for CIPHI – a process that guarantees only individuals demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful performance are accepted into the profession.

Quotes
“Environmental public health professionals play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I commend the important work they do every day to keep individuals and families safe and healthy.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“The environments in which we live and work can influence our health and well-being. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the health of the public and enhancing quality of life by assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing factors that can adversely affect human health.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As environmental health professionals we play a key role in protecting the public’s health and safety, while minimizing health and safety hazards. As technologies change we continue to grow in our field so we can be relied upon to provide these essential services.”
Tammy McDonald
CIPHI, NL Branch President

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Learn more
Environmental Health

Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors – Environmental Public Health Week

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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca

Tammy McDonald
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
709-729-0248
tammymcdonald@gov.nl.ca

2019 09 23 4:30 pm