April 28 is the day to thank an environmental health specialist for your great meal, healthy daycare and safe pool

April 25, 2014

They number just 25.

But the team of environmental health specialists at Multnomah County daily keep food, water and air safe for all residents and visitors. On Thursday, the Board of County Commissioners declared Monday, April 28 as Environmental Health Specialist Day.

 "The specialists are 'the unsung heroes’ of public health,’’ Chair Marissa Madrigal said.

“In the last 100 years, environmental health specialists have increased life expectancy in the United States 30 years with 80 percent of this improvement coming from safer food and drinking water."

Who are these specialists? Jade Dodge, interim Environmental Health Director, said they are the county health inspectors who:

  • Performed over 8,491 health inspections in restaurants, food carts and catering kitchens.
  • Went to 676 festivals and events to ensure safe food and water handling was being practiced.
  • Worked with 376 new business owners on the design and development of their food service operation conducting mobile and brick & mortar plan reviews.
  • Worked with public school officials to assess indoor air-quality and design improvement plans for over 20 school buildings in East County.
  • Visited 557 pools and spas to ensure water conditions that don’t spread disease.
  • Worked in partnership with other programs and agencies to investigate 18 food-borne illness outbreaks.

"Our team are known nationally as innovators,'' Dodge said. "In addition to their traditional work, these professionals have been training to respond to hazards of emerging food practices, working with college interns to train the next generation and develop and share best practices with the regional and national environmental health community...and they still make time to respond to hundreds of community inquiries about food safety, lead poisoning, bed bug, mold, radon, and the list goes on."

Commissioner Loretta Smith said, "I want to add my voice thanking environmental health specialists.

"As a supporter of many restaurants in Portland, I am happy to know that our staff are there to ensure that we are safe and worry free. We know that Multnomah County and Portland have older housing stock and lead pipes still plague many of those houses. Maintaining a partnership with the city of Portland and community partners to ensure that  vulnerable populations are not impacted by lead in their drinking water and lead-based paint is so important for the overall health of our residents."

Chair Madrigal reminded viewers they can look up a restaurant or mobile court inspection here.