Meet the Director
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Lora Whalen, R.N. |
Ms. Whalen was hired by the District 1 Board of Health as the Panhandle Health District director in August 2010. She brings to the position nine years of experience as director of PHD's Family and Community Health division, which provides clinical, nutrition, epidemiology and health promotion services.
Ms. Whalen honed her nursing skills in the U.S. Army, where she rose to the rank of captain and assistant nurse manager of the Army hospital emergency department in Landstuhl, Germany. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal.
As a civilian, Ms. Whalen put her skills to work at Sacred Heart Medical Center, then the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Spokane, Wash. Her work as nurse manager earned her a V.A. commendation for high standards in leadership and management roles.
Fluent in Spanish, Ms. Whalen serves as an interpreter for PHD when needed. She serves as chairman of the Friends of Head Start board and participates in Kootenai Perspectives, Coeur d'Alene Rotary and Toastmasters. She's also performed at the Lake City Playhouse.
Education
Master's Degree, Adult Education University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho |
Bachelor Degrees, Nursing and Spanish University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa |
In Her Own Words
"Panhandle Health District is the foundation of the local public health system in the five northern counties of Idaho. The three words that best describe what we do are: Prevent, Promote, Protect. These three words drive our public health mission of:
- Preventing Disease, Disability, and Premature Death;
- Promoting Healthy Lifestyles; and
- Protecting and Promoting the Health and Quality of the Environment.
Panhandle Health District exists for the common good of all people in Northern Idaho. Please browse through our website to see all the public health services we offer to keep our communities healthy.
Our dedicated staff and community partners are committed to preventive health. My goal as Director is to assure that we at Panhandle Health District provide leadership in the promotion of social, economic, and environmental conditions that improve health and well-being and prevent illness, disease and injury. I am so very proud to be a part of Panhandle Health District"
Contact:
Mashelle Kenney
Management Assistant
(208) 415-5103