Monday, November 13, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Thanks DHSS Director Julie Eckstein for Service
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today accepted Department of Health and Senior Services Director Julie Eckstein’s resignation and expressed his ongoing gratitude for her service to Missourians.
“Julie Eckstein logged significant progress as our state’s health leader. She renewed Missouri’s focus on healthy living and good community health planning and has helped better prepare our state for a pandemic threat.
“Melanie and I wish Julie the very best in her future endeavors and are grateful for her service to Missouri.”
Under Blunt’s leadership Eckstein reduced operating costs and improved efficiency at the department. She implemented innovative ways to accomplish day to day business and save Missouri tax dollars. Changes that capitalize on existing technology, reduce waste and improve contract use contributed to the savings.
Eckstein has also been instrumental to forward the governor’s Healthy Missourians Initiative. The initiative encourages healthier lifestyles for Missourians of all ages and works to address the state’s obesity epidemic.
In addition Eckstein led the state’s effort to create an interagency, cooperative approach to help respond to a catastrophic health threat, such as pandemic flu. As chair of the governor’s working group, Eckstein coordinated the state’s effort to better anticipate and manage potential threats.
Eckstein also chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Health Care Information Technology and has been an important part of ongoing efforts to craft a new healthcare delivery system that improves access to healthcare and lives within the taxpayers’ means.
Timing and transition plans are not yet finalized and will be designed to ensure Missourians continue to receive the same level of excellence Eckstein brought to the position.
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