About the Health Department

Our Work

The Detroit Health Department has been providing important public health services to Detroiters for over 100 years.  Under the leadership of Denise Fair, MBA, MPH, FACHE, the Health Department’s mission is to foster collaborative efforts that protect and promote public health, equity, safety and well-being. 

Our Leadership

Denise Fair, MBA, MPH, FACHE
Chief Public Health Officer

Kenyetta Walker
Acting Deputy Director

Najibah K. Rehman, MD, MPH
Medical Director

Dr. Iris Taylor, PhD
Director of Nursing

Angelique Rodriquez - Edge, MM
Director of Operations

Barb Roethler, BA
Director of Marketing and Communications 

David Yeh
Director of Program, Planning and Development

Structure and Organization

The health department has three major offices: Population Health, Clinical Services and Outreach, and Administration and Organizational Development.  Each office works collaboratively with external partners and the community to create a public health system that supports the health of Detroiters across the lifespan. 

Office of Population Health

This office consists of the Division of Animal Care and Control, Maternal and Child Health, Environmental Health and Food Safety, as well as Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.

Office of Clinical Services and Outreach

This office includes our Communicable Disease Program, Ryan White and HIV/STD Prevention Programs, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Physician Detailing, Public Health Nursing, and support of EMS Medical Direction for the City of Detroit.

Office of Administration and Organizational Development

This office consists of Special Projects, Data Planning and Evaluation, Human Services, Quality and Accreditation, as well as the overall Operations of the Health Department.