Mayor Neeley Establishes City of Flint Division of Health Strategies and Advancement

Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced the creation of the City of Flint’s new Division of Health Strategies and Advancement during a press conference on Wednesday. The mayor also announced the appointment of longtime public health leader Shebra Ward as the division’s inaugural director.

The new executive-level division reflects the City’s commitment to addressing Flint’s unique public health challenges through data-driven strategies, community partnerships and targeted neighborhood interventions.

As the largest city in Genesee County and home to more than 85,000 residents, Flint faces health challenges that require solutions tailored specifically to the community. While countywide health assessments provide valuable regional information, they often mask dramatic differences within Flint itself. For example, life expectancy varies by nearly 20 years between some Genesee County communities, and Flint continues to experience significantly higher rates of poverty and chronic disease than many surrounding areas.

“Public health is about far more than healthcare—it is about creating the conditions that allow every resident to live a healthier, longer and more prosperous life,” Mayor Neeley said. “Flint deserves public health strategies built specifically for Flint.”

The Division of Health Strategies and Advancement will serve as the City’s central office for public health strategy, bringing together data, research, policy development and community partnerships to identify neighborhood-specific health needs.

Ward will provide executive leadership for the City’s public health strategy while overseeing initiatives focused on improving population health, advancing health equity, strengthening organizational capacity and developing partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropic organizations and government agencies.

“Shebra Ward has helped establish Flint as a national leader in innovative public health initiatives, and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead this new division as we continue building healthier neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for every resident,” Mayor Neeley said.

“It is an honor to serve the residents of Flint in this new capacity,” Ward said. “Mayor Neeley’s vision recognizes that improving health outcomes requires collaboration, innovation and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. I look forward to working with all of our partners to develop solutions that are focused on creating healthier futures for every Flint neighborhood.”