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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Bemidji Area

Division of Environmental Health Services

Division of Environmental Health Services Staff Loading a Helicopter with COVID-19 Vaccine and Supplies for Delivery View Larger Image
CDR William Crump Conducting a Health and Safety Survey in a Tribal Clinic View Larger Image
LTJG Katherine Miller measuring the water chemistry of a hotel swimming pool. View Larger Image

Environmental Health Services Provided

  • Food safety
  • Head Start Surveys
  • Utility O&M Safety
  • Casino Surveys/Audits
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Injury Prevention
  • JCAHO/AAAHC Hazard Investigation & Accreditation Assistance
  • Disease & Injury Surveillance
  • Emergency Response
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Infection Control
  • Employee Health & Occupational Safety
  • Patient Safety
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Radiation Protection
  • Communicable Disease Investigation
  • Code Development
  • Community Injury Prevention Initiatives
  • Hotel/Lodging, Pool, Spas & Water Park Assessments
  • Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

DEHS National Focus Areas

The Operating philosophy of the Division of Environmental Health Services is based on the Ten Essential Environmental Health Services:

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions 10 Essential Public Health Services View Larger Image

Available Training & Resources for Tribal Members and Employees

CDR Tim Taylor Conducting a Lead Assessment in a Head Start Facility View Larger Image

Environmental Health Special Project Funding

Each year, the DEHS seeks to develop partnerships with tribal communities that align with our visions for Environmental Sustainability and Injury Prevention initiatives. Requests for project proposals are released annually, and the maximum awarded for individual initiatives is $10,000. Requests for Proposals are released towards the end of the calendar year, and awards are announced within the first few months of the following calendar year. 2021 Special Project Requests for Proposals are listed below for those programs looking to get a head start in preparing for the 2022 Requests for Proposals. If there are any questions or concerns regarding the DEHS Special Project Funding, please contact CAPT Timothy Duffy (see below).

Recruitment

Each summer, the DEHS is proud to host student interns via the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps – Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP). Students interested in becoming a JRCOSTEP should monitor the U.S Public Health Service website Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and apply during a JRCOSTEP Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  open application window. If there are any questions regarding the JRCOSTEP Program, utilize the “Contact Us Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov ” option on the U.S. Public Health Service website, or reach out to DEHS staff. For those looking for additional details on the DEHS, please see the attached DEHS Handout [PDF - 401 KB]

DEHS Environmental Health Specialist of the Year

LT Francis Park Loading a Vehicle to Deliver COVID-19 Vaccines and Supplies View Larger Image

Each year, A Bemidji Area DEHS staff member is recognized for exceptional efforts to improve the lives of tribal members by eliminating environmentally related disease and injury through model public health practices.

DEHS Contacts

LTJG Garrett Steiner Setting Up a Mosquito Trap View Larger Image
  • CAPT Timothy Duffy, REHS, MPH - Division of Environmental Health Services Director; (218) 444-0503
  • Bary Hugo, RS, CP-FS- Rhinelander District Office EH Specialist (715) 365-5110
  • CDR Tim Taylor, MPH, REHS- Minnesota District Office EH Specialist (218) 444- 0524

State Health Department Tribal Liaison Contact Information