Missouri Environmental Health Association

We are pleased to announce the 2nd in our 3 part webinar series. Please join us on Tuesday, April 13th. Registration: https://intralox.webex.com/intralox/onstage/g.php

Join NEHA and NNPHI for a Project Firstline Environmental Health Q&A Session on March 30th 1pm ET. Project Firstline is a collaborative of diverse healthcare an...d public health partners that have come together to provide foundational knowledge of infection control. This collaboration will provide environmental health professionals with infection control training they need to protect the nation from infectious disease threats. Join Gina Bare, RN and Dr. Timothy Landers for a Question-and-Answer Session on infection control and environmental health. Registration: https://neha.zoom.us/web/register/WN_ddMn6vApQLuChOZy8WfbRw See more

GRANT OPPORTUNITY National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities https://www.cdc.gov//COVID-19-Health-Disparities-OT21-2103... Below are a few dates and milestones to know about the application process: March 26, 2021 Letters of intent are due April 30, 2021 Applications are due June 1, 2021 Anticipated award date Informational Call CDC will host two webinars to provide additional information about this funding opportunity. Both webinar options will provide the same information. Please see below for information about how to join the call. Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Times: 3:004:00 pm (EDT) and 6:007:00 pm (EDT) We know these applications can sometimes be daunting, and we are here to support you through this process as we strive to building the capacity of health departments to address COVID-19 disparities. If you need additional information email us directly at [email protected].

The Winter newsletter is here. Make sure you reserve February 19th on your calendar for the 1st of our 3 part webinar series. See details on page 8. https://www.canva.com//DAEJvj/UJ7yatpr-X0EYyF-XCNy_w/view

Public Health: Research shows Environmental Public Health is one of the best career options in a post-COVID world. A research in England revealed that during th...e COVID-19 pandemic, Environmental Health Professionals (EHOs and Health Inspectors) took on a variety of roles as the key response to the pandemic crisis. Their varied skill set on outbreak management, case investigation, contact tracing, drafting and enforcing legislation on COVID-19, media, promotion and communication roles just to name a few. Their performance is now being recognized by the public. Research article: https://www.cieh.org//research-shows-environmental-health/ See more

We hope to see you tomorrow at 10 AM EDT for the Virtual Inspections During COVID-19 Pandemic Webinar. Chat with #environmentalhealth & #foodsafety public healt...h officials about how their jurisdictions are conducting virtual inspections including policies and procedures, technology used, and more. Featured presenters include the City of Frisco, TX, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. #COVID19 #EHMatters Register: http://ow.ly/Dd7b50A2fT7

AFDO Webinar: Retail Virtual Inspections Update During this COVID-19 outbreak many food safety programs are considering implementation of various levels of virt...ual or telephone based inspections for retail food establishments and manufactured foods. Learn what others are states are thinking and implementing, ask questions, and learn from your colleagues. Join presenters Sandra Craig, South Carolina Department Of Health And Environmental Control; Steve Moris, Kansas Department Of Agriculture; and Mandy Sedlak, Ecosure on June 1 from 2:00PM - 3:30PM EDT. Register now at https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/2446749129840981516 See more

Virtually every state and local government has closed swimming pools and hot tubs due to the #COVID19 pandemic. As states move to reopen, pools and hot tubs mus...t be prepared for the #summer season. Swimmers have almost a non-existent threat to COVID-19 from pools, but are subject to many water-borne diseases if pools are not maintained. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has created a report for #pool and #hottub operators on how to reopen to ensure that these facilities are prepared and not posing health threats. Read the report on our website: https://bit.ly/2WU2nb3 #water #waterquality

Join us this Friday, May 15 at 1 PM MDT for the NEHA Virtual Panel: Resuming Operations Post-COVID-19. This live virtual panel will feature four #environmentalh...ealth and #foodsafety public health officials who will discuss how their jurisdictions are planning to resume the operations of food and hygiene establishments. #COVID19 Register here: http://ow.ly/MuVd50zElLa

Reopening your business after several weeks away? Don't forget to flush your water lines for about 15 minutes. Turn on every spigot and let the water run at the... full pressure. While the building was closed, contaminants and bacteria could build up in stagnant water sitting in water lines. In some instances, disinfecting and/or testing may be recommended. Check out the full guidance from the Ohio EPA and Ohio Dept of Health to learn more. Have any questions, call our office at 937-642-2053. https://odh.ohio.gov///unoccupied-building-recommendations https://www.epa.state.oh.us//guidance-for-premise-plumbing *********************** A Little Background: As buildings re-open that have had little to no water usage during the Stay at Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to flush water that has been stagnant in both cold- and hot-water distribution lines and fixtures. Low water usage can contribute to bacterial growth, including Legionella which can cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. It can also cause other water quality issues with potential health risks due to the build-up of lead and copper in stagnant water that's been collecting in older pipes and fixtures. As buildings reopen, it is critical to drain, flush, and if necessary, based on a review of building conditions, disinfect the hot and cold-water systems to remove harmful contaminants. Devices that store water, such as drinking water fountains, water heaters, storage tanks, and any droplet or mist-forming devices such as cooling towers, humidifiers, showerheads, and certain medical and manufacturing devices and process equipment should also be flushed and disinfected in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations or industry best practices. See more