Ohio State Health Director Resigns; Assumes New Role As Chief Health Advisor

Dr. Amy Acton has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 crisis. That will continue with her new role.

Dr. Amy Acton.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio’s state health director has resigned.

Dr. Amy Acton’s resignation is effective immediately, according to Governor Mike DeWine.

Lance Himes, a past ODH Interim Director, will again assume the duties of Interim Director at the Ohio Department of Health.

“Dr. Acton has told me that she felt that it was time for her to step down as director,” said DeWine. “I have asked her to now serve as my Chief Health Advisor where she will continue to serve the people of Ohio in a meaningful way.”

Acton’s resignation comes in the middle of a pandemic that she has very much been at the forefront of.

“When COVID-19 hit China, Dr. Acton started talking with me about it in January,” said DeWine. “Her wise advice and counsel and connections with other doctors and health experts led us safely through those 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.”

In her new role, Acton will take a comprehensive and holistic approach to address health and well-being for all Ohioans. In addition to advising on health issues, she will continue to focus on the COVID-19 crisis.

“It’s true, not all heroes wear capes,” said DeWine. “Some of them wear a white coat embossed with the name Dr. Amy Acton.”

To date, Ohio has reported 40,004 positive COVID-19 cases and 2,490 deaths.

For more information, visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/overview.