Shining a spotlight on the work of public health inspectors

Health Department joins national campaign to promote important role of PHIs in the community

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is highlighting the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors’ national awareness campaign to help increase understanding of and acknowledge the vital work of all public health inspectors (PHI) in Durham region, across Ontario and Canada.

The role of a public health inspector encompasses many diverse areas to help protect the health and well-being of the community. PHIs work to maintain healthy public environments throughout Durham Region, helping to prevent illness and injury for all residents.

“The work we do is proactive, science-based, and essential to keeping your water, food, land, air and facilities safe,” explained Lisa Fortuna, Director, Health Protection with Durham Region Health Department, and the current president of the Ontario Branch of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.

“Public health inspectors play an active and key role to ensure that food we eat is safe, checking that water is safe to drink and use, providing infection prevention and control guidance, and case and contact management for many diseases. Our work often goes unnoticed as many times we are behind the scenes working to keep the public safe.”

PHIs are responsible for educating business operators on public health requirements. PHIs also inspect many different types of premises across Ontario, including restaurants, recreational water facilities, personal services establishments, long-term care homes and retirement homes, and congregate living facilities, such as those for international agricultural workers, to name a few. 

“We are also responsible for investigating diseases and managing outbreaks such as what has been seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Ms. Fortuna. “We’re here to help protect your health, the health of your family and your fellow community members.”

To learn more about the role of public health inspectors in the community, please visit ciphi.ca. For more information about programs and services overseen by PHIs in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/health.

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