FRAMINGHAM, MA -- Dr. Monifa Charles, DHSc, MSP, MPA, has been appointed as Framingham's new Director of Public Health.

Dr. Charles has worked in public health for the last 18 years, most recently working for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service Office in Raleigh, where she identified innovative models of care and collaboration in underserved areas.

Prior to her current position in North Carolina, she served as the director of Rural Health Initiatives in Jacksonville, FL. In addition to tending to the program's administration, Dr. Charles led behavioral health services and countywide and statewide initiatives for healthy families. She also worked as the community liaison for the U.S. Department of Education and Human Services for twelve years, where she developed, designed, and presented workshops and training on community health, child abuse and prevention, infectious diseases, disaster preparedness, etc. Before working in municipal government, she was a high school science teacher.

"It is with great excitement that I join the City of Framingham's robust Public Health team. As I seek to work closely with all, especially in today's challenging public health climate, I seek to lead the team with multi-faceted public health approaches based on interventions, preventative health models, effective collaborations, and partnerships with diverse communities. I hope to increase access and address the multiple determinants that affect our overall health towards a comprehensive health-related quality of life for all within the City of Framingham," said Dr. Monifa Charles.

Dr. Charles has a Doctorate of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, a Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Administration from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Dr. Charles' Professional Organization Memberships:

• American Public Health Association
• National Association for Healthcare Quality
• National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
• National Rural Health Clinics
• North Carolina Workgroups: Historical Marginalized Population Health Care and COVID Prevention/NC Cityish and Municipalities Member

Framingham received 11 resumes for its Director of Public Health position. The selection committee included the Mayor, Human Resources Department Director, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, and Board of Health members.

This appointment is subject to review and approval by the City Council under Article II, Section 10 of the Charter, and the appointment will be a 3-year term. The Council will discuss the referral to the Appointments Subcommittee for review and recommendation to City Council at an upcoming meeting.

Dr. Charles is expected to join the City of Framingham Monday, June 21.

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Source: Framingham Media Alert