The Metro Board of Health has announced Dr. Sanmi Areola as the new Director of Health for the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD), with his tenure set to begin in February 2025. Dr. Areola was selected from among four finalists interviewed on November 21.
Dr. Areola expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Every county must be intentional in its focus on the health and well-being of its residents, as health is a critical part of the success and economic development of every community.” He looks forward to enhancing the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of Nashville’s residents and visitors.
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Dr. Areola brings extensive experience in public health leadership. Before joining MPHD, he served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Additionally, he was the Director of the Department of Health and Environment in Johnson County, Kansas, where he played a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed confidence in Dr. Areola’s capabilities, highlighting his technical expertise and understanding of effective community service. Mayor O’Connell emphasized the importance of protecting the health and well-being of Nashville’s residents as a primary goal of the Metro Nashville government.
Dr. Areola is familiar with Nashville and the Metro Public Health Department, having spent over seventeen years in various leadership roles within the department, including Deputy Director and Interim Director of Health.
Tené Franklin, Chair of the Metro Board of Health, noted the importance of selecting a leader with a comprehensive vision for health and well-being that includes all community members. The board also expressed gratitude to Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai for her service as Interim Director since Dr. Gill Wright’s retirement announcement in August. Dr. Shaw-KaiKai will remain in the interim role until Dr. Areola assumes his new position in early 2025.
For more information about the Metro Public Health Department, visit their website.
Source: Read Original Release
Metro Nashville Finalizes Police Review MOU
The Metro Nashville Community Review Board and the Metro Nashville Police Department have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding to establish guidelines for civilian review of police activities, aiming to foster a cooperative relationship between the two entities. Mayor Freddie O’Connell and CRB Director Jill Fitcheard both expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which includes regular meetings, access to police documents, and participation in the Citizen Police Academy. This MOU is part of efforts to enhance public trust in Nashville’s public safety framework.