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 Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, the Health Department’s mission is to work in partnership with Detroiters to protect and promote their health, well-being, safety and resilience, and to respond to every public health need with exceptional leadership, policies, programs and services.

Our Leadership

Joneigh S. Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP
Director & Health Officer 

Timothy Lawther, MPH, MA 
Deputy  Director

Ebony Robinson, MS 
Associate Director

Suzanne White, MD, MBA, FACEP, FACMT 
Chief Medical Advisor

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.