One of the leaders of McLean County’s COVID-19 response is leaving her job at the end of month.
Melissa Graven is the communicable disease supervisor at the McLean County Health Department (MCHD). That’s put her on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Her last day with the department is Oct. 30.
“She is leaving to focus on being a mom and to focus on furthering her education in public health,” said health department administrator Jessica McKnight.
Graven, who studied at Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing, has worked for the health department since 2006. Even before COVID, Graven was a leader in community response to other contagious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Since COVID arrived in March, Graven has played a public role in explaining how the virus operates and what the health department is doing to stop it. She also oversees the health department’s contact tracing program, a key tool in stopping the spread of COVID locally.
There’s no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.
