Colusa County, like hundreds of jurisdictions across the nation, has changed Public Health officers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an analysis earlier this year by Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press, the exodus of public health officers (who either resigned or were fired) since April 1, 2020, is the largest in American history, the likely result of political pressure.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Dr. Julian Delgado to the position of Interim Public Health Officer. The board was unanimous in their decision to appoint a local physician with strong ties to the community, to replace Dr. Gregory Burt, of Davis, who the board terminated on Aug. 17.
Delgados contract as Interim Public Health Officer took effect on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
Dr. Burt held the position as the health officer for Colusa County since 2014, and his departure on Friday left several families unable to proceed with planned funeral services this week, said Chairman Gary Evans.
The Public Health Officer, in addition to providing medical expertise during a public health crisis, is charged with signing death certificates and burial permits.
Evans, on Tuesday, apologized for the unavoidable delay, while extending the boards condolences to the families affected by Dr. Burts departure.
Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Burt came under fire from the public – and sometimes the Board of Supervisors – for not having a physical presence in the community. He was also accused of being too heavy-handed with lockdown orders and recent indoor mask mandates that mirrored large urban jurisdictions, even after local law enforcement said they did not have the manpower to enforce such orders equally and fairly.
School officials also complained that Dr. Burt went against the school districts and Public Health Departments guidance to parents regarding personal choice on whether their children should wear face coverings in school.
Dr. Delgado, however, practices medicine in both Colusa and Williams. Delgados interim contract is effective through June 30, 2022. He will be paid $3,000 a month for up to 20 hours, and $150 per hour for additional time up to $37,895 per year, said Chief Administrative Officer Wendy Tyler.
” I think he will be a great fit for this position, certainly meeting our interim needs, and then we will vet the longer term issue,” Tyler said.
Public Health Director Elizabeth Kelly met with Dr. Delgado on Monday and discussed community health at length.
” Ive never been more confident about an interim health officer than I am today,” Kelly said. ” He definitely represents the countys perspective and values.
Kelly said Delgado, who had a previous commitment on Tuesday, will come before the board to speak.
Meanwhile, Kelly said she believed Delgado had the best interest of the community, and the health and safety of the community, at heart.
” It definitely comes across and its very genuine,” she said. –