COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Dr. Amy Acton will be stepping down as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
The governor said Dr. Acton told him she felt it was time for her to step down.
DeWine asked her to serve as his chief health advisor where she can continue to serve the people of Ohio.
In addition to her new role, DeWine said Dr. Acton will continue to focus on COVID-19.
DeWine discussed when he appointed Dr. Acton back in Feb. 2019 and her focus on infant mortality, home visiting for at-risk, first-time moms, lead paint, youth homelessness, suicide prevention, and the modernization of the public health system.
When COVID-19 hit China, DeWine said Dr. Acton started talking with him about it in January, saying her advice and connections led the state safely through the first few weeks.
"While the decisions were always mine, her counsel was superb. I will always believe and know that many lives were saved because of her wise advice," DeWine said.
DeWine said he was very grateful for Dr. Acton's selfless and tireless service to Ohio, adding no one is more passionate about public health and she always put the health and safety of Ohioans first and foremost.
"It’s true, not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear a white coat embossed with the name Dr. Amy Acton," he said.
Lance Himes, who served as a past interim director, will again serve as the interim director for the department of health.