50 Most Influential Clinical Executives - 2019

Early in her tenure as North Carolina’s top health official, Cohen targeted the opioid epidemic. She helped craft an action plan that resulted in a coordinated effort across the state, tapping providers and local governments. She’s also turned her attention to addressing social determinants of health. Her Healthy Opportunities initiative focuses on such areas as housing, nutrition and transportation. The state has launched pilots that have reduced hospitalizations for asthma patients, for instance, by replacing carpeting and installing air filters in homes.