Northern Michigan University 2013 MPA graduate Nicholas Derusha of Newberry has been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Public Health Advisory Council. He serves as the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He is also a member of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, a member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
In addition to his NMU degree, Derusha holds a bachelor's in environmental health and safety management from Ferris State University. His term on the council began Jan, 9 and expires Nov. 1, 2028.
The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan's public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.