Only four cities in California have their own health departments: Pasadena, Long Beach, Berkeley, and Vernon. Vernon is the only city maintaining its municipally supported health department without state or federal funds.
With more than 1,800 businesses, Vernon businesses and workers benefit from direct access to a health department that understands the diversity of industrial uses that exist within the city. The environmental health services provided include food inspections, vermin/vector control activities, hazardous waste/materials inspections, sewage disposal, consultation on industrial plants, and solid/medical waste disposal services.
On November 1, 2022, the Vernon City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Tyler Evans, M.D., MS, MPH, AAHIVS, DTM&H, FIDSA of Wellness and Equity Alliance WEA, as the official Health Officer for the City of Vernon.
Dr. Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of WEA and has worked extensively with vulnerable populations in the United States and abroad. Dr. Evans previously served as the first Chief Medical Officer for New York City during the initial COVID-19 surge in 2020. He will oversee acute and chronic disease prevention programs across Vernon.
“We are very excited to embark on this effort, where WEA and the support of Dr. Evans will undertake a comprehensive review of the City’s health service needs for area residents, employers, and the workforce. Dr. Evan’s involvement and the team at WEA will be invaluable as they will provide recommendations, monitoring, and evaluations of city programs. This partnership helps to meet my vision to improve the efficiency and delivery of health services throughout the City of Vernon and expand the City’s broader commitment to health equity that will improve the quality of life for area residents,” said City Administrator Carlos Fandino.
The City plans to explore the feasibility of offering a wider breadth of health services for its residents, businesses, and neighboring communities. As a first step, the City engaged WEA to provide both health officer services and to conduct a comprehensive community health needs assessment.
“The City of Vernon’s mixture of environmental, occupational, and community health needs presents unique challenges and opportunities for implementing health services. WEA is well-suited to address needs and challenges by leveraging technology to identify needs and provide solutions with a cadre of knowledgeable community, behavioral and medical staff. I, along with WEA, am so honored to be able to provide this public health extension to the City of Vernon,” said Dr. Evans.
You may view the joint press release here.
