Environmental Health Department Structure: Literature Review and Recommendations
Abstract
Local governmental environmental health programs play a critical role in safeguarding public health. Environmental health professionals administer a wide range of professional services, including food safety, septic systems, childhood lead poisoning prevention programs, air quality, water quality, healthy housing, and vector control. Despite the centrality of the environmental health workforce to modern life, a national standard or guidance does not exist for how local environmental health departments should be structured, staffed, and funded. This article aims to provide foundational information to support an effort to describe the characteristics of a minimum viable governmental environmental health department and provide recommendations on optimal structure, staffing, and funding.
Read the full article | PDF
Publication: Journal of Environmental Health
Volume: 86
Number: 1
Pages: 28-32
Published: July/August 2023
Authors
- Gina Bare, RN, National Environmental Health Association
- Alyssa Wooden, MHS, National Environmental Health Association
- Jesse Bliss, MPH, PhD, National Environmental Health Association
- David Dyjack, DrPH, CIH, National Environmental Health Association
Access the Full Article
- Members: Log in and access issue for free
- Nonmembers: Purchase issue online
- Media reps: Contact communications@neha.org