J. Henry Hershey, MD, MPH

Director, New River Health District
210 S. Pepper Street, Suite A
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 381-7100, Ext. 156
Fax: (540) 381-7108
Internet E-mail: jody.hershey@vdh.virginia.gov

Dr. Jody Hershey, a native and resident of southwestern Virginia, presently serves as the Public Health Director of the multi-jurisdictional New River Health District within the Virginia Department of Health. Dr. Hershey's previous 19+ years of employment encompasses positions at both the local and state public health levels and in two state agencies, as well as in the private and corporate health care sectors.

Dr. Hershey obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, and a Doctor of Medicine from the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia . His postgraduate medical education includes residency and fellowship training in Family Practice and Preventive Medicine, as well as a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine.

Dr. Hershey has held leadership positions and continues to serve on numerous committees for a variety of public and private Boards of Directors, as well as local, regional, state, and national professional organizations, medical societies, health governance and advisory boards including the American Public Health Association (APHA), National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Public Health Leadership Society, Southwest Virginia Medical Society, Blacksburg Electronic Village, and Hollins Communication Research Institute. In 2003-2004, Dr. Hershey served as President of NACCHO. He has taught in several academic and medical institutions and continues to teach at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

Dr. Hershey has received many awards on a local, state, and national level. His professional and academic interests, publications, and presentations include a diversity of public health and health care topics such as childhood and adult immunizations, faith and health collaborations, partnerships and coalitions, leadership and workforce development, emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease, injury prevention and control, congregational (parish) nursing, ethics, geriatrics, and special populations. Two of his special interests include health education/promotion/disease prevention and media advocacy, and he has appeared on major local, regional, and national radio and television networks and affiliates in the United States and Asia, and he has served as a medical consultant and commentator for national radio and television networks. On a more personal note, Jody is a gentleman farmer, model, and triathlete.