Environmental Health is a branch of public health that focuses on prevention of disease in a community through direct intervention. This is done through inspections and enforcement of various state and local laws, all of which are designed to promote a healthier community. The Environmental Health Division oversees the following programs in our community: •Food Safety (Food Handler's Permit, Restaurant Inspection) •Drinking Water •On-site Sewage (Septic Inspections) •Land Use •Water Recreation (Public Swimming Pool inspection) •School Facility Reviews •Solid Waste •Zoonotic Disease (animal to human) Surveillance and Investigation (animal bites - dogs, cats, bats, etc.)

Helps prevent food borne illness through the following activities: - Inspecting, conducting plan reviews, and issuing permits to retail food service establishments. - Restaurant and food facility inspections. - Testing/training food workers and issuing Food Worker cards. - Issuing temporary food service permits and inspecting food booths at fairs, festivals, and community events. - Investigating food borne illness reports. - Providing community education on safe preparation of food.

Provides a method to acquire a food handler's certification. To get certified, the applicant must pass the food handler's test. Food Handler Manual and study guides are available on the website.

Provides training and testing for food handler cards.  

Provides training, testing, and issuance of a Washington State food handler card. To get a food workers card, use the online food safety training course online.

Provides food handler classes to qualify participants for Washington State food handlers permits,

Provides information about the Washington State Food Worker Card. All food workers who serve unpackaged food or beverages must have a valid Washington State Food Worker Card. Food worker cards issued by another state are not valid in Washington. Washington State Food Worker Cards are valid anywhere in Washington. If getting a Food Worker Card for the first time, it is valid for 2 years. Renewed cards are valid for 3 years if renewed before your card expires (60 days or less before it expires).

Offers a short video class and test for the Food Handler's Permit (Card). The Food Worker Card is a permit to work with food being served to the public. Everyone who works in the food industry by preparing, cooking and/or serving food to the public must have a Food Worker Card. Class and test may be taken online and in one in-person location in King County. Permit is issued if applicant passes the test and is valid for two years if this is the first time the applicant has gotten a food worker card. Food worker cards obtained anywhere in Washington state are valid throughout the state.

Offers food handlers cards for people who want to work in a food establishment and are required to obtain one.

Offers a customized Home Care Aide certification and job skills training program that prepares students for Home Care Aide employment. Ten-week 75-hour certification and training program offers up to 36 hours per week of in-class instruction, in person skills classes and homework. Additional classes: mental health, dementia, Advanced skill building, digital literacy, job readiness, CPR, First Aid, Food Handlers permit. Upon successful completion, the ReWA HCA Certified instructor signs off on certification. Students receive certificates for all of the above classes that prepare them to complete the state exam and find employment. Participants may also receive assistance with any barrier removal to completing class, passing the state exam, job interviews and job placement follow up as well as career counseling and job advancement strategies.

Provides retail food service permits and inspection; temporary food service permits; surveillance over recreation shellfish and beach water quality; permits and inspections of solid waste and hazardous waste handling; consultation to private and public water supplies; insect and animal borne diseases; school, youth camp and permits. Permits and inspections of onsite septic systems.

Provides health inspections and permits to temporary and permanent food establishments. Also provides food worker classes and cards to those who wish to work in food establishments. Classes are available online.

Provides inspections of retail food service establishments, investigation of food-borne illness reports, and education of food workers and restaurant operators, as well as food handler tests to issue Food Worker cards.

Conducts routine inspections at all food services establishments-restaurants, schools, grocery stores, convenience stores, wineries, concession stands, mobile units as well as temporary events to ensure compliances to WAC 246.215. Also provides Food Worker Card classes.

Focuses towards promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the community by preventing, to the extent possible, the potential for food-borne illnesses and keeping the community aware of recalls of suspected food sources. To accomplish this goal, Environmental Health Staff conduct the following activities: -  Licensing and periodic inspection of all public food establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, bars and taverns, temporary food service events, mobile food units, catering businesses, and schools -  Reviews plans for construction of new food service establishments or the remodeling of existing establishments -  Investigates food-related complaints and food-borne illnesses -  Provides training and testing for food workers -  Coordinates with other public agencies at the state and federal level to insure safe and wholesome food is made available to the public -  Provides educational and technical advice to managers of food service establishments the public

Food worker card classes are available online and in person. The card is valid throughout Washington State for two years, and may be renewed for an additional three years. There are no age requirements for obtaining a Food Worker Card. Online training is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Closed Caption.

Provides environmental health information to protect the food, water, and living conditions in Okanogan County. Assists with the following services: -  Food Worker Card -  Food Service Inspections -  Environmental Hazards Section -  Facilities Inspection -  Rodent Control -  Rabies Control

Provides classes and information on proper food preparation, storage, and handling. Individuals involved in these types of activities at establishments that serve or sell food to the public are required to have a valid food worker card.

Focuses towards promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the community by preventing, to the extent possible, the potential for food-borne illnesses and keeping the community aware of recalls of suspected food sources. To accomplish this goal, Environmental Health Staff conduct the following activities: -  Licensing and periodic inspection of all public food establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, bars and taverns, temporary food service events, mobile food units, catering businesses, and schools -  Reviews plans for construction of new food service establishments or the remodeling of existing establishments -  Investigates food-related complaints and food-borne illnesses -  Provides training and testing for food workers -  Coordinates with other public agencies at the state and federal level to insure safe and wholesome food is made available to the public -  Provides educational and technical advice to managers of food service establishments the public

Provides food handler classes to qualify participants for Washington State food handlers permit.

Provides job search information and assistance, food handler's training/testing/renewal, and driver's license book study assistance.

Provides various environmental health services, including septic system permits, water testing, and food worker cards.

Trains and certifies people who handle food for public consumption (e.g., restaurant workers, grocery workers, food manufacturers) and issues Washington State Food Worker Cards. The test can be taken online or in person in the office (by appointment only).

A wide variety of activities and services are provided in conjunction with other state and local agencies.

Provides drop-in services for youth ages 12-24 where they can obtain basic necessities; like clothing & shoes, hygiene items, baby items, and access to a washer & dryer; sexual health items, like Plan B, contraceptives, pregnancy tests, etc.; and Narcan & harm reduction supplies. Also provides a wide range of one-time drop-in services, such as filling out paperwork, obtaining a food handlers card, access to a printer, and more.