District Board of Health Appoints Assistant Chief Health Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 25, 2007

LAS VEGAS – January 25, 2007– The Southern Nevada District Board of Health voted today to appoint Dr. Lawrence Sands as assistant chief health officer of the Southern Nevada Health District. Dr. Sands was selected for his current position with the recommendation he be appointed chief health officer upon the retirement of Dr. Donald Kwalick. Dr. Kwalick will retire as chief health officer on March 23, 2007.

Dr. Sands has served as the director of community health services for the health district since January 2005. He has more than 20 years experience as a public health physician and has held a variety of public health leadership positions at the state and local level. Prior to joining the health district, Dr. Sands worked for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health in Phoenix, Ariz., as the director of chronic disease and tobacco control. During his tenure with Maricopa County, he also served as its director of community health services and as medical director for its division of epidemiology and bio-defense preparedness and response.

Dr. Sands is residency trained and board certified in general preventive medicine and public health. He received his osteopathic medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and his Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health.

“I’m looking forward to serving the people of Southern Nevada and to further improving the health and well-being of both residents and visitors,” said Sands.

“Our community must address the unique and emerging public health challenges that come with being one of the fastest-growing areas of the country and a high-profile tourist destination. I’m looking forward to working with the staff of the health district and our community partners to address these challenges in new and innovative ways.”

The Southern Nevada Health District is one of the largest local public health organizations in the United States. The health district serves a population of over 1.8 million residents, which represents 70 percent of Nevada’s total population. Additionally, the district is charged with safeguarding the public health of more than 38 million visitors to Las Vegas each year. In recent years, the role of public health has expanded to include oversight and participation in areas such as bioterrorism, disaster and emergency preparedness and trauma system planning and oversight.

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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.