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MDHHS director stepping down
By WJBK at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Hertel led the division for several years while serving under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, including during the pandemic. While she will be tackling a new chapter in her career, it's unclear where her next position will be.
Amy Epkey has been promoted to acting director of the agency. She will assum...
Key takeaway Gretchen Whitmer, including during the pandemic.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The departure of the MDHHS director will likely have significant implications for Detroit 's public health landscape. As the city continues to navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the transition in leadership may impact the implementation of health policies and initiatives. Amy Epkey's promotion to acting director raises questions about the direction the agency will take under her leadership, particularly in addressing the unique health challenges faced by Detroit's communities. The city's residents will be watching closely to see how Epkey's tenure shapes the agency's response to issues such as access to healthcare, health disparities, and community outreach. With Epkey assuming the role on July 1, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the tone and priorities of the agency under her leadership, and how they will impact the health and wellbeing of Detroit's residents.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hertel led the division for several years while serving under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, including during the pandemic. While she will be tackling a new chapter in her career, it's unclear where her next position will be.
Amy Epkey has been promoted to acting director of the agency. She will assum...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WJBK at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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