Black history helps give me direction to envision a better future | Opinion
As we celebrate Black History Month, I reflect on the significance of being the first Black person and first woman to lead Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the profound meaning of this role.
My identity as a proud Black woman is not something I step into only in February, it is always with me, woven into every decision I make, every room I enter, and every barrier I work to break.
Growing up in predominantly Black communities and attending a prestigious high school that was 100% Black, taught me early on that excellence is our heritage. I was raised among trailblazers, inspired by leaders like Ruby Bridges and Nettie Asberry, and grounded by powerful examples of countless Black individuals in my life who achieved success despite the odds. This is the foundation that shaped the woman I am.
Stepping into this historic position has been a journey marked by both honor and challenge. When I accepted this role, I knew I would be navigating uncharted territory, but I did not anticipate the level of resistance. I have faced strong pushback, misconceptions and at times, narratives that seem to be shaped more by fear or bias than truth.
But I have not wavered.
These moments did not break me, they refined me. They reminded me why representation matters, why perseverance matters and why meaningful change is never met with silence. Every challenge has strengthened my commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of everyone in Pierce County, a community I care for deeply. I am here for the long haul. I stand firm because I believe in the people we serve, in the mission we carry, and in the future we are building together.
Black History Month holds special meaning for me because it represents a celebration of resilience, brilliance and an unshakable spirit. It is a reminder that we come from generations of people who pushed through barriers, who demanded better, and who carried themselves with grace and pride in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their legacy inspires me daily. It reminds me that leadership is not about comfort — it is about courage.
As director of Public Health, my work is guided by the belief that every person in our county deserves dignity, access, and the opportunity to live a healthy life. I am especially committed to addressing health disparities that have long impacted marginalized communities. This work is both personal and professional for me. I carry my ancestors’ determination in every strategy meeting, every partnership and every policy discussion.
Through it all, something else is true: We are making progress!
Through collaboration, dedication and an unwavering commitment to equity, your Health Department is entering a new, energized chapter. When we laid out our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, we set ambitious and necessary goals to improve health outcomes and disparities. We report to our Board of Health quarterly on our progress and will continue to adjust our goals to fit the needs of our community.
We are building stronger partnerships with community organizations to advance initiatives that uplift youth and families. This includes our work with schools to bring Mental Health First Aid to a growing number of classrooms. As well as our efforts to strengthen support at our Family Resource Centers.
We are also working to expand programs that address long-standing disparities and launch innovative projects that will enhance public health for years to come. You’ve seen some of this recently in our work to lead Pierce County Opioid Task Force and a recent campaign focused on addressing youth violence. Our Street Medicine Program also continues to expand.
All these efforts and so many more reflect not only where we are today, but where we are determined to go together. Thank you to our board members and community partners for supporting this work. Thank you to our staff for leading it. If you would like to join us, look for us at a community event near you, learn more at tpchd.org, or send me an email at director@tpchd.org.
As we honor Black History, I reflect not only on all that has shaped us, but also on the future we are shaping. The future our children will inherit. The future Pierce County deserves. I remain hopeful, committed, and grounded in purpose.
I am Black, and I am proud. And I will continue to lead, advocate and fight for a healthier, more inclusive, more equitable future — for all of us.
Chantell Harmon Reed is the director of Public Health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. She is an energetic leader and doula whose background includes roles in public health, healthcare administration and compliance.