Did you know North Carolina is home to more than 700,000 veterans across all 100 counties?
This Veterans Day, the Division of Public Health (DPH) is honoring those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
We would like to spotlight a few DPH veterans and their commitment to public health.
Dianna Hall – Oral Health
Dianna Hall is a U.S. Navy veteran and public health dental hygienist for the Oral Health Section. Good oral health is a key part of keeping people healthy. In her role, Dianna provides dental assessments to elementary-aged children. She provides preventative dental services in schools and communities. She also teaches oral health continuing education classes for many groups, including:
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dental staff
Natashi Williams – State Laboratory of Public Health
Natashi Williams is a U.S. Navy veteran. Natashi is also a medical laboratory technologist within the State Laboratory of Public Health. In this role, Natashi processes clinical and environmental samples submitted to the state lab. These samples range from newborn blood spots to screen for diseases that require rapid treatment to food samples that may have traces of lead and need to be removed from shelves. Natashi also serves as a point of contact between different departments and submitters. This ensures quality sample handling is achieved.
Jovan Slaughter – Division Director’s Office
Jovan Slaughter is a U.S. Army veteran. Jovan is also the health disparities grant manager and engagement strategist within the Division Director’s Office. In this role, Jovan provides operational oversight to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant. Jovan also works on programs to ensure all North Carolinians have access to key services and helps DPH maintain Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Accreditation.
Dr. Patrick Roberson – Oral Health
Dr. Patrick Roberson is a U.S. Army (82nd Airborne) veteran. He also serves as the state’s dental director. In this role, Patrick leads the Oral Health Section (OHS) at DPH. The OHS monitors the public's oral health and provides dental education to the state. OHS partners with organizations and communities, working to ensure oral health for everybody.
This is a snapshot of some of our veterans that work throughout DPH. These individuals continue to serve North Carolinians through public health. We encourage you to take the time on this Veterans Day to thank and honor those who have served.
More Information:
Governor Proclaims Military and Veterans Appreciation Week and Veterans Day 2024