Director's Office

Public Health Blog

SWANNIE JETT, DrPH, MSc, on April 25, 2017, Dr. Jett was appointed as the Director of Health and Human Services for Brookline. Prior to his appointment Dr. Jett founded Jettstream Communications Consulting Group (JCCG) in 2016, where it’s primary focus was Public Relations, Health Policy, Leadership Development, and Community Engagement. Prior to launching his own firm Dr. Jett was Health Officer/Surgeon General for Seminole County, Florida from 2013-16 and Health Officer of Bullitt County Health Department in Kentucky from 2009-2013.

Dr. Jett is passionate about improving communities and addressing issues involving the Social Determinants of Health such as housing, women’s health services, men’s health, tobacco, homelessness, gun violence, climate change, and health inequities.

Currently, Dr. Jett is Major in the Rhode Island Air National Guard where his latest assignment was in Senegal, Africa assisting with the Ebola Virus Outbreak. Dr. Jett is a national leader in public health as Past President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). He is a member of Leadership Seminole Class 23, American Public Health Association, and honorary member of Kentucky’s Delta Omega Public Health Society. Dr. Jett has authored numerous publications and acquired millions of dollars for local health department’s infrastructure over a 20-year career.

In 2011, he completed the National Public Health Leadership Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received the Bronze Star Medal from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006-2008. Dr. Jett received a Mayor’s Citation in 2005 from the Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky for his distinguished service and contribution to the betterment of the city and its people.

Dr. Jett holds a Doctorate of Public Health with emphasis in Preventive Medicine from the University of Kentucky, Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Bio-Systems Engineering, and Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Statistics from Tennessee State University.

Health Department Mission

The Brookline Health Department provides a range of environmental, community, and clinical health services to monitor and improve the health status and quality of life of persons who live or work in Brookline.

Department Goals

Among the steps taken by the department in seeking this goal are:

  • The control of existing and potential environmental hazards
  • The provision of health education and clinical health services, with emphasis on the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases and the improved management of lifestyle issues affecting health
  • The delivery of services dealing with conditions resulting from the abuse of drugs or alcohol
  • The control of communicable diseases

The provision of a range of health services at a per-capita cost of 3.5¢ per day is evidence of the cost-effectiveness of the public health services available to the community.

Human Services Divisions

The Human Services Divisions provide support to the Human Relations, Women's, and Disability Commissions, and field a range if Human Services programs, including support to the Domestic Violence Roundtable. They have responsibility for ADA compliance and house the town's Affirmative Action Officer.