Chief Health Officer

Lawrence Sands, D.O., M.P.H.
Chief Health Officer

Dr. Sands, Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District, has 20 years of experience in public health, preventive medicine and health planning and administration.

He received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction in Zoology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, his D.O. from Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and his Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in health planning and administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Prior to his present position, he served as the founding Director of the newly created Division of Community Health (2005-2007) and Assistant Health Officer before transitioning to Chief Health Officer. Before relocating to Southern Nevada, Dr. Sands worked for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health in Phoenix for nine years as the Director of Chronic Disease and Tobacco Control, Medical Director for the Division of Epidemiology and Bio-Defense Preparedness and Response, and the Director of Community Health Services. He also worked for the Arizona Department of Health Services as the State Epidemiologist and Medical Director for Epidemiology and Disease Control, Acting Assistant Director of Disease Prevention Services and Chief of the Office of Infectious Disease Services, providing seven years of service. Dr. Sands began his career in Michigan where he was in private practice.

Dr. Sands is Board Certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine; a Clark County Medical Society Delegate to the Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) and a diplomat to the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. He has been an active member of various professional and civic organizations throughout his career; made countless presentations to professional and community groups; and has authored scientific publications and received many awards in recognition of his work as a public health physician.

Board Members

Tim Jones Chair Business/Industry Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12 Officer Term 7/1/11-6/30/12	Stavros Anthony Vice Chair City of Las Vegas Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13 Officer Term 7/1/11-6/30/12	Jimmy Vigilante Secretary Environmental Specialist Member-at-Large Term 7/22/10-6/30/12 Officer Term 7/1/11-6/30/12

Sam Bateman City of Henderson Councilman Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Jim Christensen, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Chris Giunchigliani Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/11 - 6/30/13	Allan Litman Mesquite Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13
Nancy Menzel, R.N. Registered Nurse Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Bill Noonan Gaming Member-at-large Term 7/1/11-6/30/12	John Onyema, M.D., C.P.E. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Mary Beth Scow Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/11-6/30/13
Lois Tarkanian City of Las Vegas Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Anita Wood North Las Vegas Councilwoman Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Rod Woodbury Boulder City Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13

Board Member Alternates
Kam Brian Business/Industry Member-at-Large Term 9/23/10-6/30/12	Michael Collins, R.N. Registered Nurse Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Susan Crowley Environmental Specialist Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Pamela Goynes-Brown North Las Vegas Councilwoman Term 7/1/11-6/30/13
Karl Gustaveson Mesquite Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Joe Hardy, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12	Peggy Leavitt Boulder City Councilmember Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Frank Nemec, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/10-6/30/12
Steven Ross City of Las Vegas Councilman Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Stan Smith Gaming Member-at-large Term 7/1/11-6/30/12	Lawrence Weekly Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/11-6/30/13	Position Vacant City of Henderson Term 7/1/11-6/30/13