New York, USA — Jamaican-born medical practitioner Dr Gary Rhule will know today if he has been given the nod to head the Department of Health and Human Services for the city of Hartford in Connecticut.

Dr Rhule was among five candidates who were interviewed for the post by the council at a meeting on January 19 after being nominated for the position by Mayor Luke Bronin.

A spokeswoman for the council says the council has scheduled a vote for Monday (today) to determine who will head the department for the city of 125,000.

Dr Rhule, who was born in Kingston and is a graduate of Wolmer’s Boys’ school, holds a Masters degree in Public Health, and an MBA in Finance and Healthcare Management.

He said that if given the nod he would “give priority attention to the integration of physical and mental health, substance abuse and child obesity and exposure to trauma and violence”.

Dr Rhule has been active in diaspora affairs for several years and is also an active member of the umbrella National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations, Inc (NAJASO).