Dr. Jessica S. West, PhD, MPH, a medical sociologist and Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Medicine in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery &Communication Sciences, has been appointed by the Governor to serve on the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCCDHH) as a hard of hearing consumer representative.
The NCCDHH plays a vital role in advising and guiding the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Instruction. Its mission is to ensure effective, coordinated, and high-quality services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. The Council also leads efforts in public service innovation, interagency cooperation, and advocacy for the communities it represents.
Dr. West brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to the Council. She has a congenital, bilateral, moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss and has worn hearing aids since the age of 17. Her research focuses on the health and well-being of people with hearing loss across the life course, with a particular emphasis on reducing stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing devices.
“I’m honored to join the Council and contribute to its mission of improving services and advocating for our communities,” said Dr. West. “As both a researcher and a member of the hard of hearing community, I’m committed to advancing inclusive policies and practices that reflect the diverse needs of individuals with hearing loss.”
Dr. West’s appointment underscores the importance of including consumer voices in shaping public health and education strategies. Her insights will help inform statewide initiatives and foster a more inclusive environment for North Carolinians with hearing challenges.