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County health director to retire after 20 years

He still intends to help in the community, most notably by getting health care to the uninsured.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 12, 2006

DADE CITY - Pasco County Health Director Mark Yacht will retire in February after nearly 20 years on the job.

Yacht, 66, is leaving as part of the state's deferred retirement plan, which requires his exit early next year. Deputy Florida Health Officer Bonnie Sorenson said Monday that the state will advertise nationally for the job.

Yacht, a Hudson resident, said he intends to stay in the community. Outside of health care, he also spends time writing plays. And as he noted, "I don't have a cabin in North Carolina."

Yacht also is helping steer an effort to operate county health centers for uninsured residents. He said he might continue to work toward that cause.

The state will provide $7.1-million for a hurricane shelter that also could be used for health care when storms are not threatening. Organizers, including state Sen. Mike Fasano, want hospitals and the county to help pay to run the clinics.

"I think the biggest challenge is getting service to the uninsured," Yacht said.

Yacht, a physician, took over in September 1987 as the acting director and took over permanently for Dr. Robert May the next year.

During his tenure, Pasco's population more than doubled. While more affluent people arrived, he said, the growth also stressed needs to help the uninsured, provide immunizations and family care.

Under Yacht, the county expanded dental and family health services and stressed preventative care.

The next director will be chosen by the state, but the county commissioners will have a say, including whether the replacement is a physician.

Yacht was paid about $145,000. He said the next director's salary will be on a scale reflecting experience.

Sorenson said nearly half of the state's county health directors have been replaced during the past five years, usually through retirement.

[Last modified September 11, 2006, 22:34:41]