Environmental Health Programs

Inspections

Wilkes County Environmental Health is responsible for protecting the public's health by ensuring that our public's environments are free from disease-causing agents. Perhaps the most well-known of these responsibilities is the restaurant inspections, but Environmental Health also regularly inspects:
Water testing, lead poisoning, outbreak investigations, and other complaint investigations are performed on an as-needed basis.


North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources

Environmental Health is governed by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). DENR sets laws and rules concerning protection of the environment and the environment's impact on the public's health. Locally, Environmental Health enforces DENR's regulations by keeping the environment free from disease-causing germs.

Education

Education is an important part of the environmental health program.

Food Safety & Protection

Environmental Health Specialists provide educational opportunities for restaurant employees through the Food Safety and Protection course. The series of classes focuses on food inspection, handling and safety.

Public Education

Environmental Health also provides education to the public on any of the regulations they support as well as on:
  • Air quality
  • Disease transmission and prevention
  • Food handling
  • Matters related to solid and hazardous wastes
  • Vector control
Educational workshops and programs can be provided to schools, churches, civic groups and the community at large.