News

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Malenfant as the region’s new medical officer of health, effective July 10, 2025.

Dr. Malenfant brings a wealth of experience in public health and preventive medicine. Born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, Dr. Malenfant is a distinguished physician with multiple board certifications and expertise spanning infectious diseases, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and health systems change.

Over the past decade, Dr. Malenfant has worked in global health, clinical care, and public health and emergency response. He has served as an epidemic intelligence service (EIS) officer with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Working in the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens, he was deployed abroad to multiple countries to support emergency and outbreak responses and provided clinical consultation supporting public health departments across the United States. Most recently, he worked as an assistant professor of infectious diseases at Marshall University in West Virginia.

Dr. Malenfant holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from The University of Western Ontario, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from St. George’s University, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Dartmouth College in 2017, his fellowship in Infectious Diseases at UCLA Medical Center in 2019, and a fellowship in Preventive Medicine & Public Health at UCLA Medical Center in 2021.

Dr. Malenfant brings a deep commitment to health equity and reconciliation, having worked with marginalized communities in rural, urban, and international settings.

While Grand Erie Public Health welcomes Dr. Malenfant to his new role, the recruitment process continues for a part-time associate medical officer of health to support with additional capacity for the health unit.

The former medical officer of health and current acting medical officer of health, Dr. Rebecca Comley’s last day with Grand Erie Public Health is June 27, 2025.

For more information about Grand Erie Public Health, visit www.geph.ca.

Quotes

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jason Malenfant to Grand Erie. His expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for advancing public health will be invaluable as we continue to build healthier communities across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Rebecca Comley for her leadership and dedication during her time as Acting Medical Officer of Health.”

• Amy Martin, chair, Board of Health, Grand Erie Public Health

“I’m really excited to be joining Grand Erie Public Health at such an important time for the organization. It’s a great opportunity to help lead this next chapter for the communities we serve. I’m looking forward to working closely with community members, partners, and local leaders across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk to protect and promote the health and well-being of everyone who lives here. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and making a real difference—together.”

• Dr. Jason Malenfant, medical officer of health, Grand Erie Public Health

Grand Erie Public Health

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is one of Ontario’s public health units. GEPH formed in January 2025 when the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit merged. We are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities within the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County. Our work is guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, ensuring that our programs and services meet the highest standards of public health practice. We are committed to fostering healthy communities through prevention, education, and health promotion, while working in collaboration with local partners to address the unique needs of our diverse populations.

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