Thank You Dr. Amy Acton
The following letter was drafted by the CMA Board of Directors:
Thank You, Dr. Acton.
The Columbus Medical Association would like to thank Dr. Acton for her dedication and willingness to protect the health of Ohioans as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Acton courageously proposed and supported a scientifically accurate response for our state and her recommendations saved the lives of thousands of Ohioans. She did this despite increasing pressures and threats from legislators, business people, and others who did not recognize the expertise that she used to assist the Governor in developing appropriate social distancing and safety policies. We stand by Dr. Acton's work to keep Ohioans healthy and we are grateful for her service
Dr. Acton's daily press conferences with the Governor demonstrated how thorough and dedicated she was in protecting the 11.7 million people in our state. She was knowledgeable and informative, as she gathered and applied expertise from across the globe. Her presentations reassured the public as she explained why social distancing was necessary and how we could work together to keep each other safe. Dr. Acton's uniquely warm, engaging, and empathic presence was an incredible asset during these tumultuous times, soothing fears, and empowering individuals with the tools necessary to tackle the emerging threat. Dr. Acton was one of the first to focus on how Coronavirus disproportionately impacts minority communities. This is an issue that we, the medical community, take as a call to action.
As other state's infection rates begin to rise again and social distancing relaxes, we are concerned for Ohio's future as it relates to COVID-19. We will dearly miss Dr. Acton in her role as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health. We hope that she will get some well-deserved rest, be able to spend more time with her family, and still be a vital force for the people of Ohio in her new position.
Sincerely,
Beth Liston, MD, Columbus Medical Association President & the CMA Board of Directors:
