Dr. David Hicks, former deputy health officer of the Jefferson County Health Department (JCDH), was appointed as the new County Health Officer on Oct. 3.

Hicks will succeed his mentor Dr. Mark Wilson, who served as County Health Officer for the last twelve years. In his new role, Hicks will oversee the JCDH and supervise all of their efforts to address the county’s health needs.

“Dr. David Hicks has been a valuable asset to the Jefferson County Department of Health for several years,” said JCDH Chairwoman Dr. Iris Fancher in a recent press release. “He brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Health Officer, and I look forward to working with him to build on the Department’s prior successes and to create new opportunities for growth and improvement for the Department and the citizens of Jefferson County.”

In his Q&A with the Lede this week, Hicks said his main priority moving forward will be improving Jefferson County’s health outcomes by addressing growing numbers of violent injuries and fentanyl overdoses in the region.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.