Dr, Amy Acton quits as Ohio’s Director of Health today.
Governor DeWine announced that change and also said all Ohioans can now get tested for COVID-19.
Testing is Open
DeWine said, “Testing is now open. We’re encouraging anyone that wants a test to talk to their health care provider or contact a testing location to arrange a test. By understanding who is sick, whether they are showing symptoms or not, we are able to better prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
You can click here to check out the state’s interactive map of testing locations.
Pop-Ups Coming To Portsmouth
The governor said pop-up testing will start tomorrow in Columbus.
Pop-ups are also coming to Portsmouth, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Xenia, Columbiana, Akron, and elsewhere. DeWine said more details of the pop-up clinics will be announced soon.
Acton Steps Down
Governor DeWine said he has regretfully accepted Dr. Amy Acton’s resignation as Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
“Dr. Acton has told me that she felt that it was time for her to step down as Ohio’s Department of Health Director. 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. It’s true, not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear a white coat embossed with the name Dr. Amy Acton.”
DeWine said Deputy Director Lance Himes is now the interim director of the agency.
Acton has been both praised and criticized for her leadership during Ohio’s COVID-19 crisis. The governor said she would continue to play an important role in Ohio’s healthcare decisions.
“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 COVID-19 crisis.”
Deep Honor
Dr. Acton said she felt a deep honor at serving alongside Governor DeWine.
“Ohioans, you have saved lives. You have done this. It is my honor to keep working alongside you. I look forward to witnessing what you are going to do next. We do have this journey together. This little virus we can’t see has somehow been bigger than all of us. I am here. I am more determined that ever. This is a grateful journey I’m on.”
She said one of the things she looked forward to in her new position was getting out there and talking to Ohioans.
“There are many viewpoints. Sometimes when you’re in a role, that makes it harder to listen. One of the things I’m looking forward to is digging deeper.”