Environmental health focuses on the health interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters a safe and healthful environment.
Environmental public health programs help deliver the 10 Essential Public Health Services in their communities. These efforts also link to and support broader public health initiatives such as public health accreditation.
Environmental Health Professionals are often credentialed and have studied a broad range of topics that can impact the health and safety of our communities.
Chapter Topics
- General Environmental Health
- Statutes and Regulations
- Food Protection
- Potable Water
- Wastewater
- Solid and Hazardous Waste
- Hazardous Materials
- Zoonoses, Vectors, Pests, and Poisonous Plants
- Radiation Protection
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Air Quality and Environmental Noise
- Housing Sanitation and Safety
- Institutions and Licensed Establishments
- Swimming Pools and Recreational Facilities
- Emergency Preparedness
NET Health’s Environmental Health Department is responsible for Environmental Health Services within Smith County & City Limits of Bullard. Other local governments can ask for these program services through interlocal agreements.
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Retail Food Protection Program
Inspections are performed for more than 1600 facilities.
Food Borne Illness Investigations & Complaints
Plan Reviews
Commercial Aquatic Health & Safety Program
Inspections are performed for more than 220 facilities.
Waterborne Illness Investigations & Complaints
- Plan Reviews
Licensed Care Facilities Program
Inspections for more than 70 facilities.
Complaint Investigations
Plan Reviews
General Community Environmental Health Program
Funeral Home – Sanitation Inspections
Sanitation inspections occur upon request.
Public Nuisance Complaint Investigations – Manmade Public Conditions that can lead to disease
Over 100 complaints annually to resolve public health threats.
Outreach publications and training events are scheduled and produced to help encourage the community.
2025 Goals of Progam Improvements
Areas of Improvement for Environmental Health in our Community
A Community Environmental Health Assessment is needed to support the medical health assessments and county health rankings. The results will better prepare local health departments to develop area programs to address gaps in care, reduce disparities, and improve environmental conditions impacting our long-term health and wellbeing.
Foodborne Illness Response Improvement Plan.
- A gap analysis has been researched and discussed for program improvements. In 2024 there were over 400 diagnosed cases of foodborne illness-related pathogens. Of those diagnosed, no associations or common sources were identified to trigger an outbreak investigation to occur. NET Health will be working through 2025 to improve community knowledge of foodborne illness and how to report suspected cases. Education and tools will be provided to area medical clinics and highly susceptible populations to inform them to alert the health department of any suspected foodborne illness to improve our ability to conduct foodborne illness traceback, illness assessment, and outbreak investigations.
Mobile Food Pilot Program.
- Mobile food units must be easy to find when inspections are due. This is difficult due to the mobile nature of mobile food units. NET Health is partnering with a website platform called Best Food Trucks, LLC to Pilot a digital calendar for posting hours of operation and location. This will increase NET Health's ability to perform routine inspections more frequently to ensure public safety.
- There are also added benefits to consumers and the mobile food industry. Consumers will be able to see the digital calendar and menu for their desired mobile food units. Mobile food businesses can also elect to allow online payments in addition to posting a menu if desired.
