Dr. Donald Baird of Fortuna consulted with county jail, Redwood Memorial Hospital
Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel
Humboldt County has a new top medical mind on the payroll.
Dr. Donald I. Baird, who’s worked for 35 years as senior physician with Humboldt Medical Group out of Fortuna and Ferndale, will take up the duties of County Health Officer next week, although he’ll keep his private practice. Although appointed by the Board of Supervisors, Baird will operate within the administrative system of the county Department of Health and Human Services.
“The health officer role is a critical one for DHHS and the community as it provides medical oversight for our services as well as secures and maintains community support for public health programs locally and at the state level,” DHHS Director Phil Crandall stated in a release. “Dr. Baird’s experience with direct care as well as his tenure in our community will serve to maintain our effective working relationships with the medical community and meeting the difficult but exciting changes ahead.”
Baird’s extensive resume includes consulting with the county jail, juvenile hall and Redwood Memorial Hospital; he’s also worked with the California Forensic Medical Group and served as medical director of the Fortuna Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, a senior living facility. Baird is certified by the state as a psychiatric quality assurance consultant.
“Dr. Donald Baird has distinguished himself with his years of experience, his familiarity with public health issues and his standing in the medical community,” Supervisor Virginia Bass stated. “Our Board looks forward to working with Dr. Baird to keep Humboldt County in the forefront of efforts to proactively address public health issues through prevention, planning and education.
Baird, a native of Portland, Maine, is a graduate of Dartmouth University and The Medical College of Virginia, located on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. He served his medical residency at the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, where he worked in family practice and community health; he also received a master’s degree there in health care education.
