Editorial: Ravenholt retires but not forgotten

One of those pioneers is Clark County's chief health officer, Dr. Otto Ravenholt, who is retiring this month after working in Las Vegas for 35 years. Ravenholt's influence has grown each year, playing a pivotal role in improving public health.

Among his many accomplishments, Ravenholt was instrumental in bringing together all Southern Nevada municipalities to form a single Health District. Later, as director of the state Department of Health and Welfare, he changed how mental illness was viewed, placing an emphasis on treatment instead of just confinement. "Otto approaches the administration of public health like a physician approaching (hospital) rounds," David Rowles, director of administrative services at the Health District, says. "He cares for people and their needs."

Those in the business community get much of the credit for this area's success. But for a region to prosper it needs leaders from all walks of life, including education, the arts and medicine. Southern Nevadans are lucky that Ravenholt brought along his independence, dedication and professionalism when he moved here, helping advance the cause of public health.

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