Smith County Appoints Health Authority

TYLER — Dr. Paul McGaha began serving as the Smith County Health Authority, on Thursday. He was sworn in earlier this week, by Judge Nathaniel Moran. McGaha was nominated by the NET Health Board of Directors and approved by the Smith County Commissioner’s Court. Health Authorities were established during the 79th Legislative Session, and are physicians appointed to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. McGaha replaces Dr. Jeffrey Levin, who retired after serving as the local health authority for six years. During his tenure, he covered a number of “infectious disease concerns,” including COVID-19, Ebola, Zika and Measles.