DETROIT, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Chris Allen, a long-time health care and hospital administrator in southeast Michigan, has been named the first executive director by the Board of Directors of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.
The newly-created Health Authority, a collaborative effort between the City of Detroit, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, health providers and community members, aims to improve access to health care for more than 700,000 uninsured and underinsured residents of Detroit and Wayne County.
The announcement was made at a press conference held today at the Wayne County Building in Detroit.
Allen, a community leader and lifelong resident of southeastern Michigan, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Health Authority as well as leading strategic planning, fund development, financial management and community relations.
"We are delighted to have Chris on board," said Health Authority board chairman Gail L. Warden. "His track record shows more than 25 years of leadership and accountability. His experience ranges from administration to community partnership and from fiscal operations to program development for prevention, primary care and chronic disease."
Allen has been leading the nationally-recognized program Family Road in Detroit, which provides prevention and health education services to more than 184,000 individuals and families to date at its five sites. Before leading the Family Road, Allen served as executive vice president and chief executive officer of Hutzel Hospital from 1991 to 1995, and was vice president for management services at the Detroit Medical Center from 1989 to 1991.
Allen received his master's degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan in 1980 and a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University.
Allen is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and has held offices on numerous local, regional, and national boards including the American Red Cross, Catholic Health Association, National Arthritis Foundation, and others. He is married and has two children. Allen resides in the city of Detroit.
The Health Authority board of directors has also selected and appointed the members of two 25-member Advisory committees that will oversee the direction of the Authority and provide community input into the process. These committees are scheduled to meet for the first time February 1-2.
Created in 2004, the Health Authority is forging a new path to better health for the residents of Detroit and Wayne County. Over $1.7 million in public and private dollars has been secured to get the Health Authority up and running.
Detroit Wayne County Health AuthorityCONTACT: Doug Halladay of Detroit Wayne County Health Authority,+1-313-874-7443, fax: +1-313-874-1678, or dhallad1@hfhs.org