CDU Alumna Appointed as LA’s First Deputy Mayor of Homelessness & Community Health
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed CDU alumna Dr. Etsemaye P. Agonafer, as the city’s first Deputy Mayor of Homelessness & Community Health.
Dr. Agonafer will focus on improving the coordination and delivery of social, health and behavioral services to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.
“We must continue to address this homelessness crisis with urgency and comprehensive strategies that work,” said Mayor Bass in a statement. “We know that health, both physical and behavioral, is a vital part of bringing stability to unhoused Angelenos and Dr. Agonafer’s diverse experience and deep understanding of healthcare and homelessness in Southern California will be a crucial step forward in addressing the homelessness crisis and supporting those with health challenges.”
Dr. Agonafer will be tasked with building a team and leading efforts on housing and health outcomes for homeless Angelenos. According to the mayor’s office, Agonafer has experience in advancing health equity and justice for vulnerable populations because of her work as an internal medicine physician, educator and community researcher.
Dr. Agonafer obtained a Master of Public Health and Medical Degree from the UCLA/Charles R. Drew University PRIME-LA dual-degree program. She graduated from the program in 2014.
鈥淒r. Etsemaye Agonafer is one of the most skilled and capable individuals I know,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, CDU’s President and CEO. “As a physician, she is an expert on the ‘social determinants of health’ that drive the health status of our community 鈥� chief among them being homelessness. I am very proud that she is an alumnus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine Science as she exemplifies everything our institution stands for.鈥�