NEWMARKET - York Regional Council has recognized the week of January 3 - 7, 2005 as National Environmental Public Health Professionals Week.  During this week, Public Health Inspectors in the community will be staffing displays and providing information on the various programs and services delivered by Public Health Inspectors with the York Region Health Services Department. 

 

Recognizing National Environmental Public Health Professionals Week provides an excellent opportunity to increase public awareness regarding the quantity and quality of services provided in our communities by Public Health Inspectors.

 

In York Region, Public Health Inspectors deliver public health programs including:
• Food Safety – Last year, 11,141 food premise inspections were conducted and 1200 food premise staff became Certified Food Handlers through the Proton training program
• Safe Water – public beaches, public drinking water systems and private wells are monitored for water quality
• Infection Control – In 2003, staff conducted 1756 infection control inspections of long term care facilities, childcare facilities and personal service settings (nail care, tattoo and body piercing premises)
• Rabies Control – Last year, staff investigated 808 animal bite cases
• West Nile virus Control – This broad health promotion, protection and prevention program involves mosquito and bird surveillance, mosquito breeding source reduction and personal protection education. As well, mosquito control was provided through a larviciding program which included larviciding catch basins on municipal and regional property 4times throughout the mosquito season
• Injury Prevention – Staff investigate public pools, spas, wading pools and playgrounds for safety
• Health Hazard Investigation – Public Health Inspectors are involved in programs that investigate indoor air quality in arenas, outdoor air quality, pesticides, mould, contaminated sites and environmental investigations. In addition, a 24/7 on-call Emergency Response service is available
• Health Promotion and Education
• Enforcement – Public Health Inspectors are Provincial Offences Officers under the Provincial Offences Act

 

The roles and responsibilities of Public Health Inspectors continue to expand as the field of public health evolves. From emergency response to promoting clean air initiatives, the ability of Public Health Inspectors to adapt and accept new challenges in the field of public health is
invaluable for the Region and local municipalities.  Their importance to York Region will increase as risks to public health and our environment continue to change.    

 

Visit one of our community displays
To learn more about the public health inspection field, careers in public health and the services Public Health Inspectors provide, visit one of the following locations:

 

Tuesday January 4, 2005
• Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham,
8:30am - 4:30pm

 

• Markville Mall
5000 Highway #7 East
Markham
10:00 am – 9:00pm

 

Wednesday January 5, 2005
• Vaughan Civic Centre
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan
8:30am - 4:30pm

 

• Town of Richmond Hill Office
225 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill
8:30am- 4:30pm

 

Thursday January 6, 2005
• Ray Twinney Complex
100 Eagle St. West
Newmarket
1:00pm - 8:00pm

 

To speak with a Public Health Inspector or for more information on programs and services offered by York Region Public Health Inspectors, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.york.ca.

The Regional Municipality of York is committed to providing cost-effective, quality services that respond to the needs of our rapidly growing communities.  York Region is comprised of the following nine area municipalities:  Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville.  For more information, visit our Web site at:  www.region.york.on.ca