Over 7,200 public health complaints were received in 1999, resulting in thousands of inspections by Health Department staff. After hours, the Health Department responds to public health emergencies such as sewage spill, chemical or oil spills, encounters with potentially rabid animals, lack of heat, foodborne disease outbreaks, and infectious disease concerns. Each evening a staff member of the Department and a physician carry emergency pagers and respond to emergencies called in to the main Health Department phone number. A taped message gives examples of public health emergencies and pertinent phone numbers after hours. The Health Department responded to almost 24,000 information calls last year, providing residents with information and educational materials on a wide range of public health issues.
Materials are available in English, Spanish and other languages.