MASON CITY – Sophia Walsh, Environmental Health Specialist with the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, has earned the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) credential from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
The REHS/RS is the most prevalent NEHA credential and professionals demonstrate competency in an impressive range of environmental health issues, directing and training personnel to respond to routine or emergency environmental situations, and providing education to their communities on environmental health concerns. In addition, REHS/RS credential holders are key members in ensuring communities are in compliance with local, state and federal environmental health regulations. To earn this certification, Walsh took and passed a comprehensive examination.
“Sophia has proven many times she is dedicated to environmental health,” said Brian Hanft, Environmental Health Service Manager for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “She has accomplished great things with North Iowa’s private well water supplies through research and data analyzation of our arsenic levels. She continues to spread her skills into other environmental health areas as well.”
NEHA currently serves 5,000 members to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all. Professionals who earn a REHS credential from NEHA are recognized as having achieved an established standard of excellence. These environmental health professionals master a body of knowledge (which is verified by examination), and acquire sufficient experience to satisfactorily perform work responsibilities in the environmental health field.