Celebrating 50 Years of Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 1, 2012

LAS VEGAS – This year the Southern Nevada Health District is celebrating 50 years of protecting and promoting the health of Clark County residents and visitors. The health district began operations in 1962 as the Clark County Health District, following statutory authorization from the Nevada State Legislature to consolidate the county health department and the health departments of several surrounding cities.

At the time of its inception the district employed approximately 30 employees, including four sanitarians that inspected some 800 eating and drinking establishments. Today the health district employs more than 500 people and inspects more than 17,000 permitted food establishments each year.

“In 1962, no one could imagine 2 million people living in the Valley, that measles would be a rarity, AIDS would even exist and TB would not yet be eradicated,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer. “While the goal of public health has always been to ensure a safe and healthy community, how we reach that goal has evolved over time as a result of advances in science and technology along with the ever-changing needs of our community.”

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the health district, employee interviews, timelines, public health milestones, and special segments of HD-tv (Health District television) will be released throughout the calendar year to highlight items of interest and significant events in the agency’s history.

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo The health district is now available in Spanish on Twitter www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Don’t have a Twitter account? Follow the health district on your phone by texting “follow SNHDinfo” to 40404.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.