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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Environmental Health Services

Operating Philosophy

The operating philosophy of the Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) is based on the Ten Essential Public Health Services first articulated by a partnership of local, state, and national public health leaders. DEHS adapted them and incorporated this set of strategies into the methods in which it delivers services to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across the country. CDC specific resources are available.

Image describes in a pie format the Ten Essential Environmental Health Services of 1. Monitor health status to identify community environmental health problems. 2. Diagnose and investigate environmental health problems and health hazards in the community. 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about environmental health issues. 4. Mobilize partnerships to identify and solve environmental health problems. 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community environmental health efforts. 6. Support laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety. 7. Link people to needed environmental health services and assure the provision of environmental health services when otherwise unavailable. 8. Assure a competent environmental health workforce. 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based environmental health services. 10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to environmental health and protection problems.