The Environmental Public Health program engages communities and their physical environments to promote health and well-being. We provide service delivery to the 10 First Nation communities of the Rainy River District area. The Environmental Public Health program offers service provision involving the seven pillars of Environmental Health; Communicable Disease Control, Health Housing, Safe Drinking Water, Facility Inspections, Waste and Water Management, Food Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Response. Environmental Health is an essential component of Public Health and sees to foster clean, safe, healthy communities and ensures human and environmental Mino Ayawin (good health) for all.
Services Provided:
Communicable Disease Control A communicable disease is a disease that spreads from one person or animal to another and they can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. When those micro-organisms cause illness we called them pathogens. A person may get infected by:
EPHO’s will investigate reports of communicable diseases and outbreaks. Provide follow up and education on prevention and how to the reduce risk of becoming infected.
Safe Drinking Water
Collect samples of community drinking water and test for bacteria and unwanted chemicals in the community water. Review results and if any threat to the public water system, will recommend safe guards such as Boil Water Advisory to ensure the safety of the community. Provide water testing supplies for water treatment operators in our First Nation communities and provide training for new Community Based Drinking Water Monitors.
Provide education on water source protection, treatment system options, how to take water samples and interpret water sample results. on how to disinfect your well and reuse well water safely afterwards.
Healthy Housing
Environmental Public Health Officers:
Waste and Water Management
Environmental Public Health Officers will receive applications, review and inspect:
When reviewing new applications or inspecting septic systems, we are ensuring that the Ontario Building Code standards are met. The requirements in the code are set up in order to ensure that groundwater source is protected from contamination. We will also ensure that the minimum horizontal distances from the septic system to any bodies of water are met, so that our lakes and rivers are protected from contamination.
Food Safety
Offer consultations and complete inspections for food premises and new food establishments. Educate community members about safe food-handling practices, as well as provides notifications to communities of any health products and health hazard costumer recalls that have been issued by Canadian Food Inspection Agency.The EPHO also conduct food-related outbreak investigations and provide advice to the community on how to protect themselves during an outbreak.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Facility Inspections
We offer inspections and consultations for the following Facilities:
The Environmental Public Health program's main goal is to provide advice, recommendations and education to ensure Mino Ayawin (good health).
Accessing services:
Please contact Giishkaandago'Ikwe Health Services EPH Team for any Environmental Public Health Service inquiries Monday- Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm at (807) 274-2042
Who is eligible?
We provide services to all ten Southern Treaty 3 First Nations Communities in the Rainy River District.
For a complete list of contact details for each of our departments, visit:
Giishkaandago'ikwe Health Services | Fort Frances Web Design by Studio Gibbous