Earth Day is Friday, April 22
In Environmental Health, Everyday is Earth Day!
April 22 marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, begun in 1970 and celebrated around the world. Earth Day reminds us of our personal and collective responsibility to preserve and protect our environment. In the OCHD Environmental Health division, the staff work year round to protect the environment for all people in Orange County.
Recent research has shown that many people continue to believe that “public health” refers to government health programs for financially vulnerable people. In fact, public health is about protecting populations—families, communities, cities, states, nations and tribes—from threats to their health, safety, and well-being.
Environmental public health focuses on protecting groups of people from everyday threats to their health and safety that result from elements in their environments.
Protecting people from environmental health threats requires an understanding of basic human needs and how the environment can affect them. Meeting these needs contributes to our physical, mental and emotional health.
- Basic physical needs that are required for life
- Breathable air
- Drinkable water
- Sanitary food
- Safe shelter
Learn more.