Murphy re-ups as health officer

Jim Murphy, acting Jefferson County Public Health Officer, was reappointed to the post Feb. 6, and will continue in the role for another calendar year. Murphy reports to The Jefferson County Health Board, and intends to remain in the role for the foreseeable future.

“I said a few years, and I meant it,” said Murphy during the meeting. “I’m happy to continue.”

The Health Officer is responsible for public health inspections, managing outbreaks of communicable disease, and distributing safety literature to the community.“The role assesses population level problems,” said Murphy. “We investigate and identify emerging issues, and then implement control measures.  This doesn’t necessarily involve providing medical care; we provide information.”