KDHE has named Joan Duwve, MD as its Acting State Health Officer. Dr. Duwve joined KDHE in 2020 to help with statewide testing strategies before assuming the Deputy Health Officer title last July. LeadingAge Kansas staff have had numerous constructive interactions with Dr. Duwve in that capacity. Duwve completed her medical degree at Johns Hopkins University. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the Ohio State University. She has served on the CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Board of Scientific Counselors, a National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine Evaluation Committee and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Board of Directors and Infectious Diseases Policy Committee.
Dr. Lee Norman was the previous State Health Officer, as well as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment. (One person holding both roles is not always the case.) Janet K. Stanek will assume the role of KDHE Secretary if she is confirmed by the Senate in the coming weeks.