County board approves appointments to Board of Health

Thu July 29, 2010

DUPAGE COUNTY--The DuPage County Board approved Chairman Bob Schillerstrom’s reappointment of County Board Member Linda Kurzawa of Winfield (District 6) and the appointments of County Board Members Brien Sheahan of Elmhurst and Patrick O’Shea of Lombard (both District 2) to the DuPage County Board of Health Tuesday. 


Also, reappointed to the Board of Health were Dr. Lanny Wilson of Hinsdale, Vice President of the Board of Health, and Scott Cross of Wheaton, Secretary of the Board.


Kurzawa, who has been elected Board of Health President each year since her initial appointment in 1999, also serves as Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee.  In her time with the county, Kurzawa has established an exemplary record working on behalf of public health programs.  Though she will be retiring from the County Board in December of this year, she will continue in this position with the Board of Health beyond that time as a representative of the public.


“Linda has dedicated an unparalleled amount of time and energy in legislating and advocating for the County’s public health,” said Chairman  Schillerstrom.  “Throughout her tenure on the County Board, Linda stands alone in her efforts and I look forward to continuing our work together.”


Sheahan noted: “It’s an honor to join the Board of Health and offer my ideas on how to improve the health of individuals and families throughout DuPage County. Health is so important to everyone. I’m looking forward to assisting the Health Department with its important mission.”


O’Shea joined the Board of Health last year in time for the budget process and as Chairman of Strategic Planning has introduced several new initiatives as well as a second look at the the new rules regarding Federally Qualified Heath Centers in an attempt to further save money and provide more services to the public.  President Kurzawa said, “Pat is a great addition with his vast experience and work ethic.” 

 

"Between the two of them, Pat O'Shea and Brien Sheahan have the experience and dedication to public health, which makes them ideal members for the Board of Health," said Kurzawa.  "Throughout their tenure on the County Board, they have both worked hard on some major issues facing the public and I look forward to working with them as they assume their new posts."

O'Shea, who serves as County Board Vice Chairman, and as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee, has been a tireless advocate for the health of DuPage residents throughout his tenure with the County Board.  Sheahan, who has served as Vice Chairman of the Judicial and Public Safety Committee, continues to actively promote strong public health and safety initiatives.