Environmental Health test draft
Giving you the tools to keep your environment safe, no matter your climate.
Environmental health focuses on the relationship between people and their environment, fostering the principle that supportive interactions with the environment make people healthier. NACCHO’s Environmental Health program is focused on helping local health departments ensure safe drinking water and food, prevent vector-borne disease, support climate adaptations, monitor wastewater for disease prevention and control, and respond to new and emerging environmental risks.
NACCHO’s environmental health portfolio addresses the most pressing issues facing the world today, and NACCHO has numerous tools and resources available to help support local health departments in their environmental health initiatives.
Click on a program area to learn more or get a quick hit summary of our 2024 program highlights here.
NACCHO’s Environmental Public Health Workgroup engages partners from the local to the federal level to address the environmental health issues facing the world today. The workgroup, which is supported by the Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services branch of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes members from local health departments across the United States. The group works to grow and elevate NACCHO’s environmental health program; focus on continuous quality improvement; and provide effective strategies and tools to address existing and emerging environmental public health issues.
The Greener Side of Local Public Health is NACCHO’s bi-weekly e-newsletter featuring news and resources, events and opportunities, funding announcements, and original NACCHO commentary related to environmental health.
Food Safety Leaders' List is NACCHO's monthly e-newsletter, featuring news, policy updates, events, and resources. Subscribers also have the opportunity to provide input to shape policy at local health departments across the nation.
Follow the instructions below to subscribe to these and other NACCHO e-newsletters:
- Log in to MyNACCHO (or create a free account).
- Go to “My Subscriptions.”
- Check the box next to any other e-newsletters you wish to receive.
- Click “Save” at the bottom of the page.
The Essential Elements of Local Public Health provides updates and information from NACCHO’s environmental health and infectious disease portfolios, which include a range of projects that influence policy with federal decision makers and develop practice solutions that help local health departments build safe, sustainable communities. NACCHO supports local health departments in fostering a safe and healthful environment that promotes human health and well-being, in ensuring capacity to respond to and control infectious diseases, and in development of innovative tools and resources. Through advocacy and communications efforts, NACCHO works to ensure that the values and concerns of local health departments are represented within state, local, and federal agencies.
Local Environmental Health Officials' Community of Practice: NACCHO provides a space for individuals who are interested in and/or work with environmental public health so they can share and receive information from NACCHO, discuss best practices, and share resources, allowing for participants to virtually network with others across the country. To be added to the community, please reach out to [email protected].
Wastewater Monitoring Community of Practice: The Fostering Local Wastewater Monitoring Network (FLoW-Net) is a Community of Practice aiming to engage LHDs interested in wastewater monitoring, regardless of their experience level. FLoW-Net provides a platform for LHDs to request and offer technical assistance, share resources, and collaborate on addressing existing and emerging public health concerns. NACCHO will host virtual monthly meetings for FLoW-Net members to hear from local jurisdictions and subject-matter experts. naccho.org/blog/articles/flow-net
Climate Change Community of Practice: This Community of Practice provides a space for LHD staff who are interested in and/or work with climate change resilience and mitigation. This virtual community can be used to share information, questions or concerns, best practices, and resources relevant to climate change, and allow for participants to virtually network with others who work in this area. To join go to https://virtualcommunities.naccho.org/communities/allcommunities, and search "climate change." You will need your MyNACCHO account information to join.
Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response Community of Practice: Our robust Community of Practice brings together food safety professionals from across the country to share tips and best practices across jurisdictions. The CoP will convene through regular conference calls and webinars, and the group will be limited in size to ensure active participation from all. Search for "FBI Outbreak Response Community of Practice" through your MyNACCHO account at https://virtualcommunities.naccho.org/communities/allcommunities.
MAHC Network Virtual Community: The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Network is a community for MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those hoping to learn about the code itself. Members will receive updates on the code, have access and provide input to newly developed resources, and join bi-monthly webinars featuring the code and users. To be added to the community, please reach out to [email protected].
Network for Vector Control Professionals: This community is for members of vector surveillance and control programs in local health departments and other organizations. In this community, members can connect with other vector control staff, share best practices, lessons learned, and resources related to vector surveillance and control. Members consist of representatives from local health departments, vector control organizations, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. To be added to the community, please reach out to [email protected].
NACCHO's guidance for local health departments on environmental health assessments.
NACCHO has developed numerous policy statements on environmental health issues ranging from indoor air quality to childhood lead poisoning. Policy statements can be used to shape programs and positions at the local level, provide justification for increased capacity and funding, and provide guidance on how to respond to address existing and emerging issues.
Have questions on this webpage? Contact us at [email protected].