Elkhart County Council appoints dentist to Board of Health

The Elkhart County Council on Oct. 25 unanimously appointed Dr. Philip Jakobowicz, a local dentist, to the Elkhart County Board of Health.

The appointment came after Steve Olsen, Elkhart County attorney, explained that a recent change in state law shifted one Board of Health appointment from a county commissioner’s slot to a council appointment and that the health department had submitted a recommended candidate list. “Board of health is a little different than some of the other traditional boards in that this has a statutory process for appointment,” Olsen said, adding the department helped identify candidates who met the board’s statutory qualifications.

Andrew Wilson of the health department was present for questions, Olsen said. The council voted 7-0 to approve the appointment.

Why it matters: The county health department requested a candidate with dental expertise to support an identified need in the department’s dental program. The appointment fills an opening created when the incumbent’s term concluded under the legislative change Olsen described.

Supporting details: Olsen said the health department “work together to identify a list of potential candidates that meet the very strict guidelines of who can qualify to serve on this board.” The council’s vote was recorded as unanimous; no roll-call breakdown by name was given in the meeting transcript.

What’s next: The council’s action completes the council-level step in the statutory appointment process; the health department will integrate Dr. Jakobowicz into its Board of Health activities.