Honouring environmental public health professionals

'Public health professionals undertake important work, including disease prevention, health promotion and community protection.' - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA president.

Edmonton (21 Jan. 2010) - The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) says the importance of public health professionals has never been greater as Canada’s health care system continues to deal with the complexities of serious illnesses, such as the recent H1N1 pandemic.

In recognizing the eighth annual national Environmental Public Health Week (Jan. 18-24), HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann says it is appropriate to salute the "invaluable contribution"  these employees make to society and the "collective health and wellness" of individual citizens.

"Public health professionals undertake important work, including disease prevention, health promotion and community protection which, combined, helps to safeguard Albertans against serious illness, while reducing the burden of these diseases on our public health care system," says Ballermann.

HSAA represents approximately 200 environmental public health professionals across Alberta.

The objective of Environmental Public Health Week is to recognize and raise awareness about the work carried out by certified public health inspectors, environmental health officers and other allied environmental public health occupations in Alberta and across Canada.

Public health professionals ensure safe food, safe air, safe water and safe environments for Albertans. They are employed by Alberta Health Services (AHS), Health Canada and private industries.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE