Jean Malecki

Who is Jean Malecki?

Dr. Jean Marie Malecki is an American public health official who was among the first physicians to deal with a bioterrorism attack in the United States. Dr. Malecki has been the Director of the Palm Beach County Health Department since 1991 and is the Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

During her tenure as the Palm Beach County Health Director, Malecki played a key role in responding to bioterrorism risks during the 2001 anthrax attacks at American Media in Boca Raton, Florida. On October 2, 2001, Robert Stephens, photo editor for the supermarket tabloid publishing company, was admitted to JFK Medical Center, where an initial diagnosis of possible anthrax was made by Dr. Larry Bush, his attending physician. Multiple tests were rapidly conducted by county and state labs, and ultimately by the CDC in Atlanta; meanwhile, Mr. Stevens's condition worsened, and he died October 5. On October 7, Dr. Malecki quarantined the company's building following this suspicious death, citing anthrax as the cause even though some federal and state officials disagreed. Malecki helped start a Healthy Care program, where nurses provide in-home counseling to pregnant women and continued health guidance after the birth. She also helped create a Comprehensive AIDS Program, which provides clinical care, dental care and housing assistance to people with HIV/AIDS.