Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
ized equipment for field assessments, reliable trans - portation for site visits, current technology for data collection and analysis, and adequate facilities for labo- ratory work and administrative functions. Departments can regularly assess and update equipment inventories to ensure staff can perform their duties safely, efficiently, and in accordance with current professional standards. From Guidelines to Implementation The guidance provided in this document serves as a road- map, but ultimately, implementation benefits from leader - ship, commitment, and adaptation to local contexts. EPH directors and managers can use these guidelines as a starting point to: • Assess current program strengths and gaps • Develop strategic plans for program enhancement or development • Advocate for appropriate resources and authority • Establish meaningful metrics for program evaluation • Build the partnerships necessary for effective implementation While the document outlines 11 core and 4 secondary EPH program areas, jurisdictions can prioritize the program areas based on their unique EPH challenges, community needs, and available resources. This prioritization can be informed by EPH assessment data, partner collaboration, and consideration of the most significant local health risks.
tation. By the same token, equity remains a central con- cern, recognizing that the benefits and burdens of EPH are not evenly distributed across American society.
A Call to Action The work of EPH professionals often goes unnoticed when it is most successful. When contamination is prevented, when health outcomes improve, when outbreaks are avoided—these successes rarely make headlines. Yet this work forms an essential foundation for public health and community wellbeing. As communities face environmental challenges that increase daily, from climate change impacts to emerging infectious diseases, the role of EPH professionals becomes ever more crucial. This might involve: • Elevation of the visibility and value of EPH work through effective communication and documentation of impact. • Strengthened EPH workforce through recruitment, training, retention, and succession planning. • Modernized systems and approaches that leverage new technologies, data science, and integrated program delivery. • Enhanced community engagement and trust through transparent practices and meaningful participatory opportunities. • Advocacy for policies and resources that recognize the essential role of EPH in overall community health and wellbeing. Conclusion EPH stands at the intersection of human health and the environments in which we live, work, and play. As this guide has demonstrated, the field encompasses a broad range of core and secondary programs, each of which contributes to the essential mission to protect and pro- mote public health through environmental interventions. The Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health guide provides a framework to build effective and resil- ient EPH departments capable of responding to both longstanding and emerging challenges. Through the application of this framework at scales that meet com- munity needs, EPH departments can build the capacity to meet today’s challenges while they prepare for tomor- row’s demands.
The Evolving Landscape of Environmental Public Health
The field of EPH has evolved significantly since its origins in sanitation and infectious disease control. Today’s EPH professionals address complex challenges, including cli- mate change impacts, emerging contaminants, techno- logical innovations, and persistent EPH disparities. As our understanding of EPH connections deepens, the scope of EPH practice continues to expand, benefiting from greater integration and collaboration across program areas, disci- plines, sectors, and jurisdictions. Despite this evolution, the foundational principles of EPH remain constant. Prevention remains the primary goal, with EPH programs designed to identify and mitigate haz- ards before they result in disease, injury, or harm. Science remains the cornerstone of practice, with evidence-based approaches guiding program development and implemen-
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