Primary Care and Personal Health Services Public health protects the health of the population by monitoring and regulating activities which may contribute to the occurrence or transmission of disease. Programs ensure that certain food service establishments operate in a safe and sanitary manner to minimize the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. This includes inspection of facilities where food is processed, prepared or served. 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.