Melanie Drotar, Public Information Officer, Onondaga County Health Department

• 20 Years of Service

Melanie Drotar is the Public Information Specialist for the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD). In this role, Melanie has been a true champion for public health information. She led the effort to develop and implement OCHD's branding strategy which significantly contributed to raising the visibility of OCHD in the community. A skilled graphic designer, she easily transitions between developing educational materials and campaigns to leading media communications and emergency press releases when public health issues arise. She has adeptly and responsively worked across all levels of government, with the press, community partners, and the public to manage a Summer/Fall 2018 that saw Harmful Algal Blooms, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, human cases of West Nile Virus, and a confirmed case of Meningitis B. In addition, during an outbreak of mumps at a local university, Melanie took the initiative to create websites and update social media pages to inform the public in real time. Her positive attitude is critical to the smooth and timely flow of information, both within and outside the OCHD.