Michigan Health Official Khaldun Named To White House Task Force

LANSING, MI — One of Michigan's leading health officials has been selected by President Joe Biden to serve on the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, the White House announced in a news release Wednesday.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is one of 12 people appointed to the task force, which will be charged with recommending ways to help inform COVID-19 responses and recovery efforts in an equitable way.

Khaldun tweeted about the appointment Wednesday.

"So honored to be nominated by President Biden to serve on the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force along such accomplished colleagues," she said. "Much work to do, but I am ready!"

Khaldun has served as Michigan's leading strategist in its response to the coronavirus pandemic, often addressing Michiganders and media during news conferences alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Prior to joining Whitmer at the state level, Khaldun was the Director of the Detroit Health Department. She also has held roles as the Baltimore City Health Department’s Chief Medical Officer and Fellow in the Obama-Biden Administration’s Office of Health Reform in the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Whitmer said Wednesday she was thrilled for Khaldun.

"Our entire country will benefit from her determination and expertise," she said in a tweet.