MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA STATEMENT

ON DR. SHEREEF ELNAHAL’S NOMINATION FOR UNDER SECRETARY

FOR HEALTH, VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION,

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

“As President and Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital here in Newark, Dr. Shereef Elnahal has been a true partner, and has put the healing and care of the community into action every day. He understands our residents’ needs and tirelessly works to address their concerns. As a visionary, he has cultivated new partnerships to provide supportive housing for residents without addresses, launched major improvements to the hospital, and remained committed throughout the COVID pandemic. His nomination by President Joe Biden for Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is truly deserving and I am grateful for Dr. Elnahal’s leadership.

“University Hospital plays such a vital role in our community and we will need Dr. Elnahal’s replacement to be someone who understands medicine in an urban environment as much as he has. His impact will be genuinely felt for generations to come in Newark, New Jersey.”