Last weekend, I had the honor to speak at the UnidosUS 2018 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Formerly the National Council of La Raza, UnidosUS is the United States’ largest Latino nonprofit advocacy organization. Other speakers included heroes and partners in our work in health and justice: Bryan Stevenson (Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative); Cecilia Muñoz (Former Director, Domestic Policy Council, Obama White House); Chad Griffin (President, Human Rights Campaign); and Sherrilyn Ifill (President and Director-Council, NAACP Legal Defense Fund).

During my plenary session, I emphasized the intersectional nature of our fight for social justice. Just as poverty and violence are public health issues, racism is also a public health issue. Women’s rights, racial justice, LGBTQ equality, and immigrant rights are all intertwined, and the fight for accessible healthcare is also the fight for civil rights and social justice. While there are injustices and inequities everywhere we look, I urged the advocates and activists to remember that inaction is never an option.

The challenges we face today may seem overwhelming, but in our fight for health equity, there’s always something we can do right now with the resources that we have. I am thrilled to announce that the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) named our agency the 2018 Local Health Department of the Year – Large Category. This honor recognizes our history of innovation and the hard work of our team members, whose efforts are driven by the following principles: protecting and serving the most vulnerable, engaging health in all issues, ensuring science- and results-oriented action, and going to where people are.

I am fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team that is dedicated to advancing health and social justice, no matter the obstacles. Today, I am thrilled to announce that Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Health, Mary Beth Haller, has been appointed Deputy Commissioner for Youth Wellness and Community Health. Mary Beth has deep experience in public health and public sector administration. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army who has served with distinction in City Schools, the Environmental Control Board, and in a number of capacities at the Health Department, including as Director of Baltimore’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Special Assistant City Solicitor, Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Health, and most recently, as Acting Deputy Commissioner following Olivia Farrow’s retirement. We are very fortunate to have Mary Beth’s exceptional experience and superb leadership as we promote health and improve well-being in our City.

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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