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

Chris Giunchigliani Chair Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/09 - 6/30/11	Linda Strickland Vice Chair Boulder City Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Tim Jones Secretary Business/Industry Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10

Stavros Anthony City of Las Vegas Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Ricki Barlow City of Las Vegas Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Kathleen Boutin City of Henderson Councilwoman Term 8/4/09-6/30/11	Jim Christensen, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10
Susan Crowley Environmental Specialist Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Robert Eliason North Las Vegas Councilman Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Donna Fairchild City of Mesquite Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Joe Hardy, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10
Mary Jo Mattocks, R.N., Ph.D. Registered Nurse Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Lawrence Weekly Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/09-6/30/11

Board Member Alternates
Travis Chandler Boulder City Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Tom Collins Clark County Commissioner Term 7/1/09-6/30/11	Lonnie Empey Environmental Specialist Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Karl Gustaveson Mesquite Councilmember Term 7/1/09-6/30/11
Debra March City of Henderson Councilwoman Term 8/4/09-6/30/11	Frank Nemec, M.D. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	John Onyema, M.D., C.P.E. Physician Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Steven Ross City of Las Vegas Councilman Term 7/1/09-6/30/11
Barbara Ruscingno, R.N. Registered Nurse Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Jimmy Vigilante Business/Industry Member-at-Large Term 7/1/08-6/30/10	Anita Wood North Las Vegas Councilwoman Term 7/1/09-6/30/11