Minneapolis Names New Health Commissioner Amid Ongoing Public Health Challenges

Strategic Insights -

The City of Minneapolis has nominated Damên Chaplin as the next Health Commissioner, following a competitive national search led by a third-party executive recruitment firm. With over 20 years of experience in public health administration, Chaplin has been recognized for his commitment to creating safe, healthy, and equitable communities. His background in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and expertise in opioid recovery work will be valuable assets to the city.

Key Takeaways:

  • Damên Chaplin, nominated by Mayor Jacob Frey, has over 20 years of experience in public health administration, strategic planning, and community coalition building.
  • Chaplin has led staff and communities through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in his current role as Health Director for New Bedford Health Department.
  • He has fostered community partnerships to address local health issues and developed model executive orders to protect employees in poor workplace conditions.
  • Chaplin is a national leader in the field, serving on the National Association of County and City Health Officials' (NACCHO) Board of Directors.
  • As NACCHO's Director of Region 1, Chaplin represents local health departments in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT and works to advance their priorities on a national scale.
  • Chaplin plans to prioritize the health and safety of all Minneapolis residents, especially vulnerable populations, and will focus on equitable access to public health resources and programs.
  • Chaplin has served as co-chair for the Greater New Bedford Opioid Task Force, which acquired $4.5M in federal funding to reduce opioid use in marginalized communities.
  • Heidi Ritchie, who served as interim Health Commissioner since January 2022, will now take on full-time duties as the Deputy Health Commissioner under Chaplin.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 years of experience in public health administration, strategic planning, and community coalition building for Chairman Chaplin.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic reached its height in public health efforts in the United States in 2020 and 2021, with Chaplin playing a crucial role in navigating this crisis.
  • The opioid epidemic has been a persistent public health challenge, with the $4.5M in federal funding aiming to reduce opioid use in marginalized communities.

Sources:

  • City of Minneapolis press release.
  • National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
  • Greater New Bedford Opioid Task Force.
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health.