Washtenaw County honors Jane Nickert for 10 years of public health leadership

Washtenaw County is set to honor its public health leaders and raise awareness about cardiac health following a significant Board of Commissioners meeting on February 5, 2025. The meeting highlighted the retirement of Jane Nickert, the director of nursing at the Washtenaw County Health Department, who has dedicated a decade to public service and played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nickert, who has been a pillar of the community since her employment began in 2014, received heartfelt recognition for her leadership and commitment to public health. Her efforts included overseeing essential services such as immunizations and maternal health programs, as well as mentoring future nursing professionals. The board expressed deep gratitude for her contributions, particularly during the pandemic, where she led initiatives for COVID testing and vaccinations.

In addition to honoring Nickert, the board passed a resolution declaring February 2025 as Heart Month in Washtenaw County. This initiative aims to raise awareness about cardiac arrest, which affects over 350,000 individuals annually in the U.S. The resolution emphasizes the importance of CPR training and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to improve survival rates. With only about 46% of cardiac arrest victims receiving immediate CPR, the board aims to empower community members to act in emergencies, particularly in underserved populations who are less likely to receive bystander assistance.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the county's commitment to public health and community engagement, with plans to enhance CPR education and accessibility to AEDs in the coming years. As Washtenaw County moves forward, the focus remains on building a healthier community through awareness, education, and the celebration of dedicated public servants like Jane Nickert.