Dutchess County Commissioner Named For Merged Departments

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has appointed Henry M. Kurban, to lead the new Department of Behavioral and Community Health as the merger of the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene is completed at the start of 2016.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, a Republican, was expected to be elected to a second four-year term on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

Ann Smith

11/16/2015 3:00 p.m.

Kurban will serve as Dutchess County’s first Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health following confirmation by the Dutchess County Legislature. Kurban will join the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) after having served most recently as Health Director for the Florida Department of Health – Charlotte County Health Department in Port Charlotte, FL for the past three years.

“In 2016, Dutchess County begins a new era of comprehensive care with a holistic focus on the person as a whole. After an extensive search, we have found the best person to lead in our vision of being the healthiest county in New York State and that is Dr. Henry Kurban,” said Molinaro. “We are very pleased to bring this talented and multi-faceted health professional to Dutchess County and lead this newly merged department.”

As a part of Kubans job he is charged in leading the DBCH in its mission to assess and protect the community from health risks, assure access to high quality services, and promote holistic care that integrates physical and behavioral health outcomes. He will oversee nearly 190 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $63 million.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve in this exciting new role and I thank County Executive Molinaro for his support and confidence in me. I am eager to get started on this new challenge and look forward to building on the exceptional work being done by the professionals who have served in the Health and Mental Hygiene departments as we come together as one new Department of Behavioral and Community Health, ready to serve the residents of Dutchess County,” said Dr. Kurban.

Molinaro first announced the concept of merging the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene in his 2013 State of the County Address.

The new Department of Behavioral and Community Health will become official on January 1st, with the start of the 2016 county budget year.

Following confirmation by the Legislature and approval by the New York State Department of Health, Kurban will begin serving as Commissioner on January 1st, 2016.

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