inspections for apartments

Hi Robert, Did I understand correctly that your department is now doing inspections at apartments?

Matt

Asthma Program: NMDOH

Yes, we inspect apartment and have done so for many years.  We recently added single family properties. Anything specific you want to know?

Yes, we inspect apartments and have done so for many years.  We recently added single family properties. Anything specific you want to know?

So the authority to inspect doesn't come from the dept of health in TX but from a city of Dallas? Cities here can insepct for zoning issues, but there is not language (I've been told) to deal with mold, leaks, pests, etc. Trying to figure out where to begin. I'm thinking that a legal review of current codes could be a good starting point

The State property code allows us to inspect properties and this law is embraced in City code.  I would be happy to visit with you off line to see how we can help. 

Thanks. matthew.cross@state.nm.us. 505-476-3531

there is broad language that includes asthma related health hazards. The manual done by the City to support enforcement has specific language on asthma related environmental hazards.  Parkland Community Health Plan, a Medicaid HMO, has implemented an environmental assessment as part of the home visit program for asthma educators.  We have done 50 in 3 months with 56% showing asthma related code violation resulting in 16% complaints to code enforcement. We have a predictive model that accurately predicts negative asthma outcomes (ER visits and admissions).  In three zip codes over 10% of our total health plan members have high risk or very high risk asthma.  The key factor is rental housing and multiple family rental property.  We hope to get Code Enforcement to do selective code enforcment in these high impact areas  We are in the process of coding geomapping to determine where these high risk asthmatics live.