Environmental health officers (EHOs) inspect food services such as school cafeterias and hot lunch programs at least once a year. Every three years, EHOs conduct a comprehensive school inspection, reviewing and assessing communicable disease control procedures, general sanitation programs, food-based programs, drinking water quality, indoor air quality, pest management programs and general maintenance of buildings and grounds. Other services provided by environmental health include review of building permit applications for new school construction and major renovations of existing schools. The officers also conduct investigations on complaints they receive the programs listed above.
Environmental health issues Foodsafe™ Level One Certificates to high school students who have successfully completed the basic Foodsafe™ course taught in the school.
Phone: (604) 675-3800
Email: environmental.health@vch.ca
The role of the tobacco reduction coordinators (TRCs) is to lead the tobacco reduction strategy for the Vancouver Coastal Health's region. The TRCs develop, plan, implement and evaluate programs, activities and initiatives across all health care sectors (public health, acute care, community care, residential care, mental health and substance use). The focus is health promotion, treating tobacco dependence and chronic disease prevention targeting the general population and high risk groups.
With regards to school-aged children and youth, the TRCs provide support, resources, training and/or education in the areas of tobacco prevention, cessation and protection (smoke-free environments) to public health nurses, SACY (School Age Children and Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative) prevention coordinators, parents, child care providers and to schools/children and youth. The TRCs also work with health care providers in the areas of comprehensive school health and providing support in youth clinics (i.e. treating youth tobacco dependence).
The TRCs partner with non-government organizations and community organizations to increase awareness of emerging issues on tobacco prevention, cessation and protection.
Phone: (604) 675-3800
Email: smokefree@vch.ca
Licensed child care programs in schools are inspected and monitored by a licensing officer to ensure the health, safety and well being of children in the program. Child care facilities are inspected at least once per year. This inspection reviews:
Care and supervision
Hygiene and communicable disease
Medication
Nutrition and food services
Physical facility, equipment and furnishings
Policies and procedures
Program of activities
Records and reporting
Staffing
The licensee/manager is provided with information regarding the outcome of the inspection as well as resources, encouragement and education to assist them in meeting the legislated requirements for community care facilities licensing and environmental health.
Additionally, licensing officers investigate all complaints, serious incidents and allegation of abuse and take appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of those in care is not in jeopardy.
Licensing officers liaise with Vancouver School Board staff as needed.
Phone: (604) 675-3800
Email: communitycare.licensing@vch.ca