APHL Congratulates CDC Director Nominee, Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald


SILVER SPRING, MD--(Marketwired - July 07, 2017) - The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) would like to recognize and congratulate Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, nominee for the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Fitzgerald is the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and State Health Officer. APHL commends the Administration for selecting a highly qualified, strong public health leader for one of our nation's most vital positions.

As a highly accomplished state health leader, Dr. Fitzgerald brings the skills necessary to lead our nation's primary public health and prevention agency. Specifically, Dr. Fitzgerald's experience with disease prevention coupled with her background in obstetrics and gynecology has propelled her response to Zika infections in Georgia. She knows what it takes to effectively address this complicated virus and will bring that understanding to her new role as CDC chief. Additionally, Dr. Fitzgerald has served as an aggressive leader in fighting the opioid crisis which has rapidly grown to be a national public health emergency. As a close CDC partner, APHL welcomes Dr. Fitzgerald's unique and valuable expertise.

"Dr. Fitzgerald truly understands the challenges, needs and strengths of state and local departments of health and, in turn, public health laboratories," said Scott J. Becker, APHL executive director. "While APHL has worked closely with her throughout her tenure as state commissioner of health, we now look forward to supporting Dr. Fitzgerald in her new role as federal public health leader."

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public's health in the US and globally. APHL's member laboratories protect the public's health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

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Contact Information:

Michelle Forman
240.485.2793
michelle.forman@aphl.org