Strickland Selects Department of Health Director
By Catherine Candisky, The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio
Jan. 5–Gov.-elect Ted Strickland yesterday named Dr. Alvin Jackson as head of the Ohio Department of Health.
Jackson has been medical director of Community Health Services in Fremont since 1995. The neighborhood clinic provides care to residents regardless of their ability to pay and serves many of Ohio’s migrant farm workers.
Jackson is the ninth cabinet appointment made by Strickland, a Democrat who will succeed two-term Republican Bob Taft when he is sworn into office Monday.
Strickland said in a statement that Jackson’s “passion for serving others is inspiring. He is exactly the person we need in this critical role.”
During Jackson’s tenure at Community Health Services, the center expanded access with a mobile unit to provide care to residents in 12 surrounding counties and serve as an immunization center at local schools.
The recipient of numerous national and state awards, Jackson has led humanitarian medical efforts in Honduras and Liberia, and he took his mobile unit to the Mississippi coast to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In 1995, he and his wife, Gayle, the parents of four adult children, founded the African-American College Club, which tutors students and encourages them to go to college. That same year, Jackson helped found Brother-to-Brother, a mentoring group to steer young black males away from violence, drugs and alcohol.
During state budget negotiations in the spring of 2005, Jackson spoke out against proposed cuts in Medicaid and other services at a Statehouse rally attended by hundreds of advocates.
“Quality health care, patient education and disease prevention will be my priorities as the Ohio Department of Health,” Jackson said yesterday about his new job.
Jackson, who replaces Dr. J. Nick Baird, will begin as director April 1. Until then, Ann Harnish, assistant health director, will serve as acting director.
Jackson’s salary has not been determined. Baird was paid $153,563 a year.
The Ohio Association of Community Health Centers applauded Jackson’s appointment, calling him an “influential leader” and “outstanding choice.”
“I have never met a more dedicated person to providing access to care for all Ohioans,” said Joe Liszak, executive director of the association.
“He has created a legacy of care for patients in northwest Ohio and although he will be greatly missed, Gov. Strickland has made an outstanding choice.”
ccandisky@dispatch.com
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Copyright (c) 2007, The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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