Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced the appointment of two new members to the Nassau County Board of Health: Ms. Diana Coleman and Dr. Ellen J. Braunstein.

Ms. Coleman has had over thirty years experience in health claims management, most recently with the Economic Opportunity Commission in Hempstead. A resident of Roosevelt, Ms. Coleman is a highly respected activist who is committed to promoting equal access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care to all Nassau residents.

Dr. Braunstein, a specialist in neurology, received her medical degree at the Chicago Medical School. A resident of Merrick, Dr. Braunstein is in private practice in Woodmere and is affiliated with North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset as an Assistant Attending Physician, South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre.

"We are privileged and proud to appoint Diana Colemen and Ellen Braunstein to the Nassau County Board of Health," said County Executive Suozzi. "Both women have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their communities in their respective fields and will be strong supporters of the Health Department."

Ms. Coleman and Dr. Braunstein replace Ms. Joan Caemmerer and Dr. Lawrence Ravich who have retired after serving a combined total of 50 years on the Nassau County Board of Health.

"The collective service that these two people have given the county is truly remarkable. Along with providing oversight to the Health Department and Commissioners over the years, they have been strong advocates for public health," said Commissioner David M. Ackman, MD, MPH.

The Nassau County Charter created the Nassau County Board of Health in 1938. The Board, which meets monthly, consists of five members, two of whom must be physicians. The County Executive recommends them to the Nassau County Legislature to enforce the public health law as well as New York State and local sanitary codes.