People, Place, and Public Health: Reflections from Detroit
IHPI Research Seminar Series presented by Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Executive Director, Detroit Health Department
February 17, 2017
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
North Campus Research Complex, Building 10, Research Auditorium
Sponsored by: Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation
Contact Information: Stacy Trosell, [email protected]
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a public health physician and epidemiologist. He serves the City of Detroit under Mayor Michael E. Duggan as Health Officer and Executive Director of the Detroit Health Department. Appointed in August of 2015, Dr. El-Sayed is responsible for rebuilding the City's Health Department after it was privatized in 2012 during Detroit's municipal bankruptcy. In his first year at the helm, the Detroit Health Department more than doubled in size; City support for public health increased five-fold; and the Department organized public health services by life stage. The Department has emerged as a state and national leader in public health innovation, environmental justice, and lead elimination, earning Director's Award recognition from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services in 2016 for its work screening water in Detroit schools for lead. At the Department, Dr. El-Sayed is leading major initiatives to reduce infant mortality, to promote vision access, and to integrate early childhood services. During his tenure, the Department has attracted funding from the McGregor Foundation, the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, the National Association of City & County Health Officials, the Michigan Public Health Institute, and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.