Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the year.
Municipal officials say Dr. Colby has served as Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health since 2003.
“His dedication to the health and wellbeing of Chatham-Kent and to its citizens has been demonstrated time and time again but never as much as during the last two years,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“Dr. Colby’s leadership throughout the pandemic has been exemplary.”
Joe Faas, Chair of the Board of Health, said Dr. Colby’s leadership throughout his time as Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health has been commendable.
“On behalf of the Board, staff, and the community, I thank Dr. Colby for his years of dedication and service to Chatham-Kent,” Faas said in a media release.
For the last 19 years, Dr. Colby has provided support and guidance to the entire public health team.
“His journey is larger than the pandemic and he has many successes that deserve honourable mention,” Municipal officials say.
“Dr. Colby was instrumental in Chatham-Kent’s continued war on smoking; seeing one of the province’s most comprehensive smoking by-laws enacted in 2009. That same year he successfully led the community through H1N1. Dr. Colby has been a vocal advocate during the ongoing opioid crisis, lending his support to the public health team and the Board of Health.”
During his tenure, the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council was launched and became a committee of the Board of Health, Municipal officials added.
“Under Dr. Colby’s guidance, the council continues to address food insecurity in our community,” Municipal officials say.
“Dr. Colby was instrumental in the achievement of the Baby Friendly Initiative designation in 2010 and bringing a travel immunization clinic to Chatham-Kent. Throughout his time in Chatham-Kent, he continuously offered his support for an age friendly community.”
Recruitment for a new Medical Officer of Health will begin shortly, Municipal officials added.
