 
Kimmey to Direct Health InstituteNew Center Will Address Urban Health Issues |
On Sept. 1, James R. Kimmey, M.D., stepped down from his position as Saint Louis University's executive vice president and chief operating officer to head a new initiative at the University to address critical urban health problems in the metropolitan area. Kimmey now directs the Institute for Urban Health Policy at the School of Public Health.
The new institute will develop a comprehensive program of research, development, education and consulting activities that will support new and innovative approaches to urban health issues.
"I am very excited about the potential for this institute in helping St. Louis and other communities find solutions based on real facts rather than political agendas," Kimmey said. "The experience in this community during the past few years demonstrates the critical nature of the urban health issue and the difficulty in finding workable solutions."
Kimmey is a longtime faculty member and administrator at SLU. Before being named executive vice president and chief operating officer, Kimmey served as vice president for health sciences. He also has held positions as director of the University's Center for Health Services Education and Research and was the founding dean of the School of Public Health.
"Saint Louis University is strongly committed to its urban environment," said University President Lawrence Biondi, SJ. "This new initiative will focus University expertise on one of the most important issues facing every major city, the health of its citizens."
Kimmey is active locally as the chairman of Connect-Care and vice chairman of Access to Health, two important initiatives dedicated to indigent health care in St. Louis.
"Dr. Kimmey is nationally recognized for his expertise and leadership in public health and health policy," Biondi said. "It is a measure of the importance we place on this new effort that I have asked him to assume responsibility for the institute's development and success."
The Institute for Urban Health Policy will coordinate University research, policy analysis and education in the field of urban health. The institute will provide a forum for community leaders to explore the issues surrounding urban health care, and institute activities will include seminars and conferences. Kimmey said the goal of the institute is to develop urban health care solutions and provide a voice of advocacy for marginalized residents of urban communities across the nation.
To streamline operations, the University has eliminated the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer.
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