Sharon Meieran

Sharon-meieran-multnomah-county-comissioner

Sharon Meieran is an American politician and emergency room physician known for her involvement in local government and advocacy for public health, mental health services, and homelessness solutions. Before entering politics, Meieran worked as an emergency room doctor, where she gained firsthand experience with the healthcare system's challenges and the impacts of policy decisions on individual health outcomes.

Early Life and Education

Sharon Meieran was born in California, where she developed an early interest in both healthcare and public service. She pursued her undergraduate education at Brown University, earning a degree in English and American Literature. Following her passion for helping others, Meieran attended Harvard Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor. After practicing law for several years, she decided to shift her career towards medicine to make a direct impact on people's lives. Meieran earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, one of the nation's leading medical schools.

Medical Career

After completing her residency, Meieran worked as an emergency room physician in Oregon. Her experiences in the ER, dealing with a wide range of medical emergencies, highlighted the importance of accessible and comprehensive healthcare. She became particularly interested in the intersection of public health and policy, especially in areas related to mental health and substance abuse.

Political Career

Meieran's transition from medicine to politics was driven by her desire to address the systemic issues she encountered as a physician on a larger scale. She was elected to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in 2016, representing District 1. During her tenure, she has focused on public health, mental health services, homelessness, and environmental issues. Meieran has advocated for increased funding for mental health services, the implementation of evidence-based practices in public health, and policies to address the homelessness crisis in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.

Advocacy and Policy Work

Beyond her role as a county commissioner, Meieran has been involved in various advocacy groups and policy initiatives. She has worked to promote a better understanding of the opioid crisis, advocating for policies that support recovery and prevent addiction. Meieran has also been a vocal supporter of measures to improve the criminal justice system's handling of individuals with mental health issues, arguing for treatment over incarceration.

Personal Life

Sharon Meieran is married and has two children. She balances her career in politics and medicine with her family life and personal interests, including writing and outdoor activities. Meieran's unique background in law, medicine, and politics has positioned her as a respected voice in discussions about healthcare policy, public health, and social services.

See Also

• Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
• Healthcare in the United States
• Homelessness in the United States
• Opioid epidemic in the United States