Public health regulates private and certain public water supplies and provides advice on well location and maintenance. Programs ensure that septic tanks and other on-site sewage disposal systems are properly planned, installed and operated to prevent the spread of disease. Staff also investigate and resolve complaints about sanitary nuisances. The program monitors radiation sources, certifies x-ray machines and operators, and inspects shipments of radioactive materials. Counties also inspect homes for radon, test water for radioactive contamination, and provide emergency response teams.
Staff assess the effect of exposure to contaminants on humans.
They monitor and investigate unusual occurrences of environmentally related disease to intervene against its spread. The program maintains copies of all birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, providing copies as needed. The program licenses emergency medical technicians and services, assists in upgrading of EMS systems, and monitors hospital trauma centers. Staff safeguard the public by inspecting and licensing the manufacturing, repackaging, and wholesaling of drugs and drug products and banning merchandising of deceptive drugs and devices. Public health laboratories provide diagnostic, environmental, reference, emergency, and research laboratory services to county health units, other state agencies, and private health care providers.