Duffy takes PHD controls

HAYDEN - At Panhandle Health District, the new boss really is the same as the old boss.

That's because the district's Board of Health on Friday lifted "interim" from Director Don Duffy's title.

Duffy now is the official leader for the district, which covers Idaho's five northernmost counties, after serving as interim following Lora Whalen's retirement June 30. Whalen had been director since 2010.

Duffy began working with PHD in 2014 as Public Health Services Administrator. Over the past seven years, Duffy has overseen clinical services, epidemiology, health promotion, and most recently, the COVID-19 response.

"We are very excited to have Don take the helm for PHD," Board Chairman Marlow Thompson said. "Don comes with a strong background in leadership and has already proven his capability in handling the COVID-19 response."

Before joining PHD, Duffy owned and operated a health care consulting company, working with medical practices throughout the western U.S. Duffy earned his MBA at Gonzaga University and his Master's and Bachelor's degrees through Brigham Young University.

Duffy said his background with the district and health care industry will benefit his leadership role.

"I have had the wonderful opportunity of working in the private and public sectors both associated with providing quality health care," he said. "This combination of experience has brought a strong desire to improve the health care needs of our community within the framework of fiscal responsibility."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Duffy has served as the district's Incident Commander.

As director, Duffy said he plans to continue navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to save lives. Beyond that, he hopes to expand district services like water quality, clinical, nutrition, home health, nurse home visits, and opioid use disorder.

"PHD needs to do a better job informing the community about the incredible services it provides," Duffy said. "PHD is much more than vaccines and septic tank approvals. PHD's services can significantly improve the health and well-being of North Idaho citizens."

Duffy said he's honored to act as the new district director.

"I appreciate the trust the Board of Health has placed in me," he said. "I am devoted to the North Idaho community and have developed an abiding respect for the mission of public health."