Dr. David Colby, MSc., MD, FRCP (C)

Acting Medical Officer of Health

The Medical Officer of Health has the legislated responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community and to provide medical direction for clinical services and reports directly to the Chatham-Kent Board of Health.

The Medical Officer of Health provides medical direction and ensures that the mandatory public health program standards are in compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Responsibilities Include:

§          Declare, monitor, provide direction, and rescind any public health emergency order in the community.

§          Provide medical direction for clinical services.

§          Provides consultation services to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit’s Nurse Practitioner.

§          Promotes and advocates for change related to internal and external current or emerging health issues.

§          Ensures that the medical community understands the role of the Public Health Unit and its services.

§          Research, provide information, direction and advice on health issues in Chatham-Kent and develop a course of action to address or modify the solution to the issue.

§          Promotes public health through public relations throughout the community.

§          Advocate for needed resources with the Board of Health, Municipal Council and the community.

To contact Dr. Colby, please call the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270 or by email at CKHealth@chatham-kent.ca