Democrats now boast 130 years of collective healthcare expertise in their candidates.
Vicki Nighswander is a Democratic candidate for the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board. With a background in public health, she prioritizes fact-based decision-making and fights against medical disinformation, providing an alternative to the GOP's Medical Freedom movement.
SARASOTA — Vicki Nighswander, MPH, has filed to run for the Central District, Seat 1, of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board as the fourth and final member of the Sarasota County Democratic Party's slate of candidates.
Nighswander joins George Davis, M.D., and experienced hospital administrators John Lutz and Alan Sprintz on a slate boasting 130 years of experience in the healthcare profession, far exceeding the GOP-endorsed candidates.
In particular, Nighswander's expertise adds crucial knowledge and hands-on experience in community health and safety. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio; an MAT degree from Miami University, Ohio; and a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Before moving to the Sarasota area, Nighswander worked for the Washtenaw County Public Health Dept., Ypsilanti, Michigan, as an environmental health professional, health educator, HIV/STD program and clinic supervisor, and health services supervisor.
During her tenure at Washtenaw Public Health, Nighswander's exceptional contributions were recognized with the Unsung Hero Award. She was instrumental in developing many successful programs with local, regional, and state significance.
"Covid-19 wasn't our first pandemic and won't be our last," said Nighswander. "But to be sure, whatever lies ahead, Sarasota Memorial Hospital has a critical role in communicable disease management and keeping us safe."
Nighswander added that she is looking forward to bringing her perspective to the Hospital Board to ensure that healthcare professionals make fact-based decisions rather than those who want to grandstand their political agenda.
"We feel very fortunate to add Ms. Nighswander to our slate of candidates as we believe she will provide voters this fall with a far better alternative to those running under the GOP's Medical Freedom banner," said Sarasota Democratic Party Chair Daniel Kuether.
In 2022, the Medical Freedom movement gained notoriety as a group of political activists opposed to Covid-19 protocols, spreading medical disinformation. Nighswander, however, stands firmly against such practices, advocating for fact-based decision-making in public health.
The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board comprises nine members, including two seats each for the Northern District, Central District, and Southern District, as well as an At Large seat. Four members' terms will expire this year to be replaced by the winners in November's election.
The Sarasota County Democratic Party (SCDP) is the local committee of the Florida Democratic Party. The mission of the SCDP is to encourage the fullest participation by all voters who believe in true freedom and fairness in our society. We stand up for justice, equality, and opportunity for our citizens and support qualified candidates who will promote these goals.
Learn more at www.sarasotadems.org. Contact Information: daniel.kuether@sarasotadems.org 941-330-9400
