Legal Aid Director nominated for Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Commission

Cuyahoga County Executive Ronayne Announces Nominees for Women’s Health Commission

The commission will provide guidance on women’s health matters in Cuyahoga County

March 25, 2024 (CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH) - It's a significant step forward for the newly created Cuyahoga County Women's Health Commission. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne nominated nine women to advise the County on strategies to improve healthcare options for women. The nominations require County Council approval. The nominees will be introduced at the March 26 County Council meeting.

• Jazmin Long is the President and CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities, a nonprofit doula service in Cleveland. Long works to achieve positive outcomes for Black families, despite racial disparities in healthcare in Cuyahoga and Summit counties.
• Lauren Beene, MD is the Co-Founder and Director of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights and a pediatric physician with University Hospitals. Dr. Beene has strongly advocated for abortion access and reproductive rights across Ohio.
• Melanie Golembiewski, MD, MPH is the Chief Medical Officer of Neighborhood Family Practice. She has a strong interest in maternal and neonatal care, global health, and geriatrics.
• Nakeshia Nickerson serves on the Woodmere Village Council. She works to advance legislation aimed at increasing economic development and improving wellness and public health. Councilwoman Nickerson also serves on the Advisory Board for the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA.
• Tenille N. Kaus is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Advancement at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. She is an experienced attorney who has worked across a variety of industries, including the education and medical sectors.
• Jasmin Santana represents Ward 14 on the Cleveland City Council. Councilwoman Santana has spearheaded many women’s health initiatives, including developing the BREAST/Amigas program, the first Hispanic breast cancer education program in Northeast Ohio.
• Kim Thomas serves as the Mayor of the City of Richmond Heights. A dedicated public servant, Mayor Thomas is also on the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board and chairs the Youth Committee. Since the 2022 closure of a hospital in her community, Mayor Thomas has been a fierce advocate for her community's healthcare needs. She has hosted community wellness forums and vaccination clinics to help preventatively address the medical needs of her constituents.
• Heather Brissett is the Vice President of Community Wellness and Chief Program Officer for the Murtis Taylor Human Services System. She has been a leader in women’s health initiatives in both the policy and advocacy realms. Brissett is committed to improving the lives of marginalized individuals and communities.
• Emily Campbell is the President and CEO of the Center for Community Solutions, a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank in Northeast Ohio. She oversees research, policy, and administration activities.

“These nominations underscore the pressing need to enhance access to healthcare for women in Cuyahoga County. With their diverse backgrounds, invaluable perspectives, and commitment to women’s health, these nominees are poised to drive meaningful change. Together, we will shape policies and initiatives to address the needs and challenges women face in our community, ensuring access to comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

In addition to the nine nominees, the Commission will include members of the County Executive’s Office, Cuyahoga County Council, the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services, and The MetroHealth System.

County Council approved the Women’s Health Commission in November of 2023. To learn more about the commission, visit cuyahogacounty.gov/womenhealth.