Board of Health

The Allegheny County Board of Health (BOH) serves as the governing body of the Allegheny County Health Department, guiding public health policy and ensuring the protection and promotion of community well-being. Established under the authority of Pennsylvania Act 315, which provides for the creation and operation of county health departments, the BOH plays a critical role in overseeing regulatory actions, approving health initiatives, and advising on strategic direction.

The Board of Health is a nine-member governing board appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by County Council. Through collaborative leadership, fiscal oversight, and community engagement, the Board helps ensure that all residents of Allegheny County live in healthy, safe, and equitable environments.

Current Board Members

• Dr. Joylette Portlock, PhD, Chair
• Dr. Elizabeth Cuevas, MD, Vice chair
• Laura M. Dagley, BSN, RN
• Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM
• Dr. Dara D. Méndez, PhD, MPH
• Dr. Khlood F. Salman, DrPH, RN
• Lisa Scales, JD
• Dr. Graham Snyder, MD, MS
• Dr. Michael Yonas, DrPH, MPH
• Dr. Iulia Vann, MD, MPH

Meetings

The Allegheny County Board of Health holds regular public meetings every other month as well as special Public Regulatory Hearings and subcommittee meetings. All Board of Health meetings are open to the public. Written comments may be summarized during meetings, with the full comments entered into the record. Speakers may address agenda and non-agenda items.

Public Comment 

To speak at a board meeting, a request must be made at least 24 hours before the meeting.

The board meeting will be streamed on the Allegheny County Health Department's Facebook page.

• Speakers may address agenda and non-agenda items for a maximum of three minutes
• Written copies of comments are welcome but not required
• Use the Public Hearing Participation contact form or call 412-687-2243 to make speaking requests

The Board will try to accommodate all speaking requests for each meeting but may need to defer comments to a subsequent meeting. Requests are handled in the order received.

To request an accommodation, please make a request for assistance as far in advance as possible or at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting. Participants can submit a request for themselves or someone else by filling out the accommodation request form. This form can also be used to request meeting minutes or materials in another language.

Individuals who wish to send written comments to the Board should use the Board of Health contact form. These comments go directly to board members and will be summarized at the meeting.

Public Comment Periods and Hearings
Visit the Public Comment Notice page to see all current public comment periods and associated hearings. To provide testimony at a hearing, please fill out the Public Hearing Participation form.

Upcoming Board of Health Public Meeting

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 12:30 pm

Allegheny County Courthouse
Gold Room, 4th Floor
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Google Directions

2025 Board of Health Meeting Schedule

• January 15, 2025
• March 19, 2025
• May 14, 2025
• July 16, 2025 at 12:30 pm
• August 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm - Policy and Procedures Sub-committee meeting
• August 26, 2025 at 2:30 pm - Policy and Procedures Sub-committee meeting (virtual only)
• September 8, 2025 at 11:00 am - Policy and Procedures Sub-committee meeting (virtual only)
• September 10, 2025 at 2:30 pm - Policy and Procedures Sub-committee meeting (virtual only) 
• September 17, 2025 at 5:30 pm
• November 19, 2025 at 12:30 pm

Meeting Minutes