The Provincial Government is highlighting the work of public sector employees in the environmental public health field by recognizing September 20 to 24 as Environmental Public Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental public health professionals played a significant role in helping minimize the risks associated with the public health emergency. Environmental Health Officers within the Provincial Government assisted public health with contact tracing and inspected businesses to ensure compliance with public health guidelines. Officers worked with businesses and community organizations to help develop and implement a plan to return to operations, as well as reviewed and advised special event organizers on COVID mitigation plans.
Environmental public health professionals also oversee food safety inspections; drinking water systems; and monitor inspections of day cares, schools, personal care homes, long-term care facilities and recreational facilities. They enforce smoke-free public areas and assist in the prevention of tobacco sales to youth, conduct investigations into communicable diseases and participate in community emergency preparedness and response.
Environmental public health professionals are certified by the Board of Certification for the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) – a process that guarantees only individuals demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful performance are accepted into the profession.
Quotes
“Every day environmental public health professionals play a key role in protecting the health and well-being of families and communities throughout the province. Environmental Health Officers continue to be the eyes and ears on the ground during the pandemic to help ensure compliance and provide education during these challenging times.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“We have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the importance of public health and how it impacts our lives. This includes the impact people’s physical environment can have as a determinant of health. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary work of officials in the Departments of Health and Community Services and Digital Government and Service NL, as well as the regional health authorities, for their commitment to the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The global pandemic demonstrates environmental public health is vital in all facets of life. I would like to extend many thanks to the environmental public health professionals and members with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors for their work and commitment to improve public health.”
Jillian Young
NL Branch President, CIPHI
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
Jillian Young
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
nlpresident@ciphi.ca