Dr. Mark Ghaly, Public Health Leader During COVID-19, Departs as Health and Human Services Secretary

Leadership Transition Amidst Ongoing Pandemic

On December 2, 2021, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS), announced his departure from the role, effective January 10, 2022. Dr. Ghaly's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in guiding the state's response to the public health crisis.

Pandemic Response and Accomplishments

As the state's top health official, Dr. Ghaly oversaw the implementation of comprehensive public health measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These measures included:

• Issuing stay-at-home orders and other social distancing guidelines.
• Expanding testing and contact tracing capacity.
• Coordinating the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines.

Under Dr. Ghaly's guidance, California became a national leader in COVID-19 testing, with over 100 million tests conducted as of December 2021. The state also has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with over 80% of adults fully vaccinated.

Future Plans and Impact

Dr. Ghaly's departure comes as California continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the state has made significant progress in containing the virus and mitigating its impact on public health. Dr. Ghaly's leadership has been instrumental in this success, and his legacy will continue to shape the state's response to future public health challenges.

Dr. Ghaly's departure is a significant loss for California, but it also represents an opportunity for a new chapter in the state's public health leadership. The incoming secretary will inherit a strong foundation and a team of dedicated professionals committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Californians.