Nelson to replace Beck on PHD board

HAYDEN - A first year commissioner is adding a new hat to her service resume.

Kootenai County Commissioner Jai Nelson is replacing Chris Beck on the Panhandle Health District Board of Health, the board announced this week.

Beck served as a Kootenai representative since 1996.

Nelson, a registered nurse who earned degrees from North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, will fill his 5-year term, which ends June 30.

Nelson was elected as a commissioner in November, but worked in the Advanced Cardiac Care Unit at Sacred Heart Medical Center for five years prior to taking her new post.

She also serves on boards for the Kootenai County Emergency Management Services System, Lutheran Academy of the Master and Region 1 Adult and Children's Mental Health as well as the Region 1 Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse.

The Panhandle Health District serves the five northern counties. The board members are appointed by county commissioners from each of the five counties. The Board of Health has seven members - two from Kootenai County, two from Bonner County and one each from Shoshone, Benewah and Boundary counties.