Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
Meaningful Outcome Measures
Education and Training Considerations Staff in secondary EPH programs would benefit from educational qualifications that align with the special - ized knowledge needed while remaining adaptable to each jurisdiction’s context and capacity. While the scope of our research did not establish specific educational requirements for these programs, jurisdictions can con- sider the technical complexity of program responsibili- ties, regulatory requirements, availability of qualified professionals in their region, and integration with core EPH programs when establishing minimum qualifica - tions. A foundation in environmental health sciences, public health, or related fields provides essential back - ground knowledge, with specialized training or certifica - tions in program-specific areas enhancing effectiveness. EPH departments should balance the need for special- ized expertise against workforce realities, potentially establishing tiered qualification systems that allow entry-level positions while requiring advanced degrees or certifications for leadership roles. Departments can support ongoing professional development to build capacity in these emerging areas of practice. This flexi - ble approach to educational requirements acknowledges the evolving nature of secondary EPH programs while maintaining the professional standards necessary for protecting public health. Equipment Considerations Secondary EPH programs may need to utilize diverse equipment portfolios that balance specialized techni- cal needs with practical budget constraints. Equipment requirements typically include standard field assess - ment tools, monitoring devices specific to program areas, mobile technology for data collection and documenta- tion, communication systems for emergency response and public outreach, and personal protective equipment appropriate to program hazards. Programs can prioritize equipment that serves multiple functions across program areas while ensuring access to specialized tools neces- sary for technical assessments and regulatory compli- ance. Departments could consider equipment sharing arrangements, partnerships with other agencies or insti- tutions, and phased acquisition plans that align with program development stages. Regular maintenance, calibration, and replacement planning is essential for ensuring equipment reliability and to meet professional standards. The diversity of secondary program equip- ment needs benefits from strategic planning that con - siders both immediate operational requirements and long-term program sustainability.
PURPOSE
METRIC
Program effectiveness
• Number of hazardous materials incidents or spills per year • Average response time to hazardous materials incidents (in hours) per year • Number of enforcement actions taken and resolved per year
• Number of technical assistance activities or
training sessions provided to regulated facilities per year.
Workload management
• Number of regulated facilities inspected per year
Hazardous materials programs can track metrics that demonstrate both regulatory compliance activities and emergency response capabilities. Essential metrics include tracking inspection activities, compliance rates, incident response, and educational outreach. Other Considerations for Secondary EPH Programs Staffing Considerations While our research did not encompass specific FTE rec - ommendations for these programs, jurisdictions can determine appropriate staffing levels based on several interconnected factors. Secondary EPH programs benefit from flexible staffing approaches that can be adapted to each jurisdiction’s specific needs and context, including community-specific EPH needs, population characteristics, geographic considerations, regulatory requirements, inte- gration opportunities with core EPH programs, available funding sources, and program maturity and scope. Furthermore, departments might consider recording their staffing decisions and rationale to contribute to the development of evidence-based staffing models for these important, often under-resourced program areas. This approach acknowledges the diversity of EPH challenges across jurisdictions while providing a framework for mak- ing informed staffing decisions that align with local prior - ities and capacity.
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