When I was elected Governor, I knew that I wanted a Director of Health with a strong public health background, someone who had a passion for public health, and someone who could talk to Ohio citizens in a candid way about health issues.
We interviewed some great people. On February 26, 2019, I was able to announce that we named my final cabinet director and that Dr. Amy Acton had accepted my offer to be Director @OHdeptofhealth.
With her leadership and help, in the first year, we focused on infant mortality, home visiting for at-risk, first-time moms, lead paint, youth homelessness, suicide prevention, and the modernization of our public health system.
When #COVID19 hit China, Dr. Acton started talking with me about it in January. 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.
Dr. Acton has told me that she felt that it was time for her to step down as @OHdeptofhealth. 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.
As of today, Lance Himes, who served as a past ODH Interim Director, will again assume the duties of Interim Director at the @OHdeptofhealth.
Let me say how very grateful I am for Dr. Acton’s selfless and tireless service to the people of #Ohio as our Department of Health Director. No one is more passionate about public health than Dr. Amy Acton. She always puts the health and safety of Ohioans first and foremost.
Her knowledge, compassion, and determination have set an example for all of us, and Dr. Acton’s extraordinary bedside manner and wise counsel have helped us all get through this pandemic.
In her new role, she 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 #COVID19 crisis, while remaining committed to the vision of @OHdeptofhealth.
It’s true, not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear a white coat embossed with the name Dr. Amy Acton. 
