Juliann Van Liew Recognized by the de Beaumont Foundation as a Leader

Published on September 16, 2021

Juliann Van Liew, MPH has been recognized as one of the "40 Under 40 in Public Health" in recognition of her work as Director of the Unified Government Department of Public Health. The de Beaumont Foundation announced this week its 2021 list after reviewing applications from hundreds of rising leaders in public health. The cohort was selected by a distinguished panel of public health professionals for their leadership and impact on their community's health.

"At a time when public health professionals are being required to adapt and take on monumental challenges, we are incredibly proud of these leaders," said Brian S. Castrucci, DrPH, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. "We created the 40 Under 40 program to recognize and tell the stories of rising leaders who are making a difference in communities across the country. By promoting their work and accomplishments, we hope to attract and inspire a new generation of leaders."

Honorees are selected for the contributions to their organization, community, and the public health field; for their demonstrated leadership in their organization; collaboration with partners; advancing policy solutions; creative problem-solving; and a commitment to the vision for the community and organization. Ms. Van Liew, who was appointed Director of Public Health in May 2020 has not only risen to the challenge of providing a robust response to a global pandemic but has been deeply committed to issues of health equity and access in our community, working tirelessly to ensure that disadvantaged communities have access to critical services and resources.

"I found my true home when I entered the world of local governmental public health and realized the power of what can be achieved when local government works in concert with the community," said Ms. Van Liew.

Year after year, Wyandotte is ranked as one of the least healthy counties in Kansas, with residents experiencing high levels of poverty, housing insecurity, chronic disease, violence, and systemic disinvestment. During her tenure, Ms. Van Liew has helped the department face these challenges and the public health demands of the 21st century by prioritizing quality improvement, performance management, workforce development, and accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Ms. Van Liew and her team were influential in publishing and implementing a five-year Community Health Improvement Plan aimed at addressing health access issues, jobs and education, safe and affordable housing, and violence prevention. 

For more information about the 40 Under 40 in Public Health, including a full list of honorees, visit debeaumont.org/40under40

ABOUT THE DE BEAUMONT FOUNDATION

Founded in 1998, the de Beaumont Foundation creates and invests in bold solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. We believe that every person should have the opportunity to achieve their best health, regardless of where they live.

The de Beaumont Foundation focuses on improving health at the community level by investing in tools, partnerships, policies, and the public health workforce. Our vision is a nation where every person in every community has the opportunity to achieve their best possible health.             

Media Inquiries

Janell Friesen, Public Health Department Public Information Officer 

Wyandotte County, Kansas 

Office: (913) 573-6703  

Cell: (913) 428-9622 

jfriesen@wycokck.org