After greater than 14 years main Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Dr. Anthony L-T Chen formally retired final week from his place as Director of Health.

Our Board of Health plans to honor Dr. Chen for his years of excellent service to our group at an upcoming assembly, simply because the Pierce County and Tacoma councils did final month.

Through the years, Dr. Chen earned reward for his work on the Health Department as an efficient group convener and his capability to construct robust partnerships with native well being techniques, the healthcare group, training, and lots of group organizations.

On Wednesday, the Board appointed Deputy Director Cindan Gizzi to Interim Director of Health till a everlasting Director of Health is employed. This will assist the Health Department proceed to offer the important providers that defend the well being of all individuals and locations in Pierce County.

“Tacoma and Pierce County are incredibly fortunate to have Cindan step into this interim role to provide the stability and continuity that our communities need during this time of transition,” said Board of Health Chair Catherine Ushka, “For more than two decades, Cindan’s deep commitment to public service has never wavered. Cindan has had a proven track record of success at keeping our communities healthy and safe, and I am grateful for her leadership as we finalize our selection of our next Director of Health.”

In addition to serving as Deputy Director for the Health Department, Gizzi serves as President-Elect of Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials. She has a Master’s of Public Health within the discipline of Epidemiology from UCLA.

The Board authorized a decision at its June 21 assembly for a contract with Dr. Chen to proceed as Health Officer. His new title is Director Emeritus. He will proceed signing well being orders and meals handler playing cards and supply different Health Officer duties. He will even present some Director of Health duties as requested, together with:

• Orientation of the brand new Director of Health.
• Consultation with Department Management Team members.
• Participation in ongoing group partnership initiatives like Pierce County Opioid Task Force and the Mayor of Tacoma’s Roundtable on Violence Prevention.

The Health Department continues its seek for a brand new Director, who will even function the county’s Health Officer as Dr. Chen did. The govt recruiter screened 16 candidates final month and are checking references of semifinalists to slim the pool for interviews later this month with Board members, group stakeholders and employees.

The Mayor of Tacoma and Pierce County Executive will make the ultimate choice, and the County and Tacoma City councils will affirm the appointment.

About Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s mission is to guard and enhance the well being of all individuals and locations in Pierce County. As a part of our mission, the Health Department tackles recognized and rising well being dangers by means of coverage, applications and remedy to guard public well being. We are considered one of 321 accredited well being departments within the nation and amongst six within the state to have met or exceeded the Public Health Accreditation Board’s high quality requirements. Learn extra at tpchd.org.