Department of Environmental Health

Public Health Inspections

Public Health Inspections (PHI) works to minimize the risk of communicable and infectious diseases through conducting inspections, investigations, providing technical assistance, education and enforcement actions in regulated facilities. This includes food service operations (restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias, food carts), child care facilities and residential health and housing complaints.

Community Health & Decision Support
Community Health & Decision Support (CHDS) strives to improve Denver’s quality of life by providing educational and support services that focus on environmental public health issues and are community-oriented and culturally competent. This includes the Denver Office of HIV Resources, which procures and distributes Ryan White funding to provide services to people who are living with HIV/AIDS, and operating the Denver Healthy People program, which provides a community network of partners committed to making Denver a healthy place by promoting healthy lifestyles.

Additionally, CHDS has the overall responsibility for the department management. It provides financial, technological and management support services to all divisions and the Board of Environmental Health. CHDS also oversees the City’s operating agreement with the Denver Health and Hospital Authority (DHHA).

Animal Care & Control and the Denver Animal Shelter 
Animal Care & Control (ACC) protects public and animal health and safety by investigating animal bites, cruelty and neglect, barking dog disturbances and other complaints.  ACC is also responsible for issuing pet licenses, inspecting pet shops and kennels, and operating the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave.  Shelter staff is dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding homes for adoptable animals.

Environmental Quality
Environmental Quality (EQ) assures environmental protection by providing assessment, regulatory compliance, technical assistance, environmental education, and stewardship initiatives for both private sector and city operations. Areas include air emissions, solid/hazardous waste management, water quality, community noise, site assessment and cleanup, indoor air quality, environmental lead, smoking, idling vehicles, and emergency response.

Office of the Medical Examiner
Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) investigates all deaths reportable by statute to determine the cause and manner of death. OME also assumes control over evidence, provides expert consultants and witnesses, and coordinates death investigations with various agencies.

DEH partners with Denver Public Health, to provide services related to medical investigations, medical services for disease control (including clinics) and the administration of vital birth and death records.