[ Browse by Service Category : Environment and Public Health/Safety : Sub-Topics of Public Health (2) ]
Public Health Information/Inspection/Remediation
Programs that protect the public from unhealthful or unsanitary environmental conditions by establishing and enforcing health codes and regulations; taking and responding to complaints or reports regarding environmental hazards that pose a threat to public health or the environment; providing general information about environmental pollutants that constitute public health hazards; inspecting homes, public buildings, restaurants and other food facilities, and other property for compliance with health standards; cleaning up environmental hazards, when necessary; and/or initiating litigation against individuals and organizations who consistently have failed to comply with regulations, when warranted.
Public Health Surveillance Programs
Programs that provide for the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data regarding health-related events for use in public health action to reduce morbidity and mortality and to improve health. Public health surveillance activities are generally authorized by legislators and carried out by public health officials; and may vary by jurisdiction. Included may be surveillance of infectious, chronic, or zoonotic diseases; injuries; exposures to toxic substances; health promoting or damaging behaviours; and other events associated with public health action.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.