The Chicago Defender is proud and excited to introduce a new feature that will impact our readers and their families. “Curing the Community” will be a regular column by Dr. Damon T. Arnold, M.D., M.P.H., the director of the Illinois Department
The Chicago Defender is proud and excited to introduce a new feature that will impact our readers and their families.
“Curing the Community” will be a regular column by Dr. Damon T. Arnold, M.D., M.P.H., the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Dr. Arnold received his undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and his M.D. and M.P.H. degrees from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He completed his residency training in both Internal and Occupational Medicine and several law courses at DePaul University. He holds the rank of colonel and is the state surgeon for the Illinois Army National Guard, where he has served for the past 25 years. He has performed tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait, Central and South America, Africa and Europe. He also served with relief efforts for hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
Dr. Arnold has received several military awards, including the Army Commendation, National Defense Service and Humanitarian Service awards. Dr. Arnold was named the Chicago chapter American Red Cross Military Hero of the Year for 2007. He has served as the medical Director for St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, LTV Steel Company in Indiana and at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, prior to his current position.
Dr. Arnold has also completed his training in massage therapy, holistic medicine and acupuncture. Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich appointed him the 16th Director for the Illinois department of Health on October 1, 2007. He lives with his wife Sharon Johnson-Arnold in Chicago.
Dr. Arnold’s columns will cover a wide range of topics that primarily affect the African-American community and will appear every third Wednesday in the Defender. He will work with the community in making recommendations for us all to improve, maintain and live a healthier life.
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