Broomfield is currently accepting applications for the first resident-led Board of Health.

The city and county is encouraging residents with public health experience to apply for five seats currently available.

“By Colorado statute, local public health agencies are required to have a Board of Health, whose responsibilities include approving the five-year public health improvement plan, developing and promoting policies for health and well-being and advising the public health director and the public health department,” according to a release from the city.

Broomfield’s City Council has served in this role until an ordinance was approved in October, which will transfer these responsibilities to a newly appointed Board of Health composed of Broomfield residents.

“Broomfield’s City Council has done a tremendous job serving the public health department and our community through complex public health issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we deeply thank them for their service,” said Jason Vahling, Director of Broomfield Public Health and Environment. “This is a very exciting and important step in our evolution as a public health department and as a community, and we are thrilled to work with the new Board of Health this spring.”

The city recommends applicants have expertise in medicine, nursing, health systems, environmental health, behavioral health, injury and disease prevention, health education, or something similar to apply.

“Having a diverse board is very important,” said Deb Federspiel, Deputy Director of Broomfield Public Health and Environment. “Our department, and the public health field as a whole, focuses on addressing health equity. We encourage individuals with lived experience or with strong ties to community organizations to apply.”

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Jan. 31. Anyone interested in joining the board must submit an application as well as a video-recorded interview, which councilmembers will review before appointing members to the new Board of Health in March.

“Council’s decision to move to a Board of Health that has professionals with public health expertise and experience will enhance our public health priorities in behavioral health, health equity and environmental health,” said Mayor Guyleen Castriotta.

To learn more about the board and to apply, visit broomfield.org/boardofhealth.

Click Here for original article.