Dr. Iulia Vann Tackles Air Quality And Infant Mortality

Dr. Iulia Vann, who recently took over as the director of the Allegheny County Health Department, is already making strides in addressing some of the region’s most pressing health challenges. One of her initial priorities is tackling air quality concerns, particularly in communities like Clairton, where residents have long raised alarms about pollution from industrial sources such as the Clairton Coke Works.

A clean air advocate invited Dr. Vann to meet with community members in Clairton, and she accepted the opportunity. Last month, just before marking her first 100 days in the role, Dr. Vann visited the Mon Valley town, which is home to the largest coking facility in the U.S. There, she listened intently as local residents and members of the Valley Clean Air Now (VCAN) board expressed frustration with what they described as insufficient regulatory oversight of industrial polluters, including U.S. Steel, the owner of Clairton Coke Works.

Residents of the Mon Valley, including those in nearby Glassport, have long blamed the facility for high rates of cancer, respiratory diseases, and other chronic health issues. Dave Meckel, a VCAN board member, described the environmental degradation in the area, including hazardous levels of benzene—a known carcinogen—detected near his home. He urged Dr. Vann to take action, telling her, “You have a big job ahead of you.”

Dr. Vann acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing her concern for the community’s health. “It’s really humbling to be in this room with you,” she said, commiserating with the residents’ struggles. During the meeting, the community offered recommendations on how the Health Department could better regulate industrial pollutants and increase transparency in its operations. Cindy Meckel, another board member, praised Dr. Vann for her “active listening,” expressing hope that the department’s approach to public health would evolve under her leadership.

Following the meeting, Dr. Vann spoke with reporters at the Health Department’s downtown office, reflecting on her journey to public health leadership and her vision for addressing Allegheny County’s most urgent health challenges.

A Transition from Medicine to Public Health

Dr. Vann’s path to public health leadership was shaped by her medical background. Born and raised in Romania, she initially worked as a family doctor in Bucharest. It was during her medical practice that she became increasingly concerned by the rising incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension among her younger patients. This prompted her to pursue a career in public health, where she believed she could have a greater impact on the health of entire communities.

After relocating to the United States, Dr. Vann earned a master’s degree in public health from East Carolina University and worked in various county government roles across North Carolina. In 2020, she became the director of the Guilford County Health Department, just days before the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, as the pandemic thrust her into the spotlight, requiring her to manage an unprecedented public health crisis. During this period, she worked tirelessly, often logging 120-hour weeks, to coordinate vaccine distribution and guide her community through the crisis.

The experience of managing the pandemic left Dr. Vann with a deeper understanding of the importance of public outreach and community partnerships. “We can never do things in public health on our own,” she remarked, underscoring her belief that collaboration is key to addressing complex health issues.

Addressing Infant Mortality and Air Quality

Now that she is in Allegheny County, Dr. Vann is focused on two major issues that have long affected the region: air quality and Black infant mortality. Her early interactions with local communities, including those in Clairton, reflect her commitment to listening to residents and addressing the systemic health disparities they face.

Dr. Vann’s experience in managing public health crises and her dedication to community collaboration position her to make a significant impact in Allegheny County. As she navigates the challenges ahead, including improving air quality in industrial communities and tackling the high rates of infant mortality in Black populations, residents and advocates alike are hopeful that her leadership will bring about meaningful change.