WHEREAS, Registered Environmental Health Specialists in North Carolina have contributed immeasurably to the public's health and safety and to the improved quality of life in our communities; and
WHEREAS, Registered Environmental Health Specialists conduct important work in programs focusing on food safety, facility sanitation, wastewater disposal, safe drinking water, emergency preparedness and response, lead poisoning prevention, and infectious agents; and
WHEREAS, Registered Environmental Health Specialists are employed by local, state, and federal governments, schools, and industries throughout North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Public Health Departments are holding events in observance of Registered Environmental Health Specialist Week; and
WHEREAS, World Environmental Health Day is celebrated annually on September 26; the theme of this year's observance, Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s health each and every day, highlights the myriad ways environmental forces impact how people eat, live, and grow; and
WHEREAS, all residents have a right to live in a healthy environment, but environmental health risks disproportionally have the greatest impact on poor communities that already have significant health care vulnerabilities; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina commends Registered Environmental Health Specialists for their many contributions to improving quality of life for people, families, and communities throughout our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 10 – 16, 2023, as “REGISTERED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.