By SDCN Editor
Sacramento, CA–In a distinguished ceremony, the California Department of Public Health awarded County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten its highest honor, the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health.
This accolade, given annually, recognizes exceptional leadership and commitment to public health.
The ceremony highlighted Dr. Wooten’s 23 years of dedicated service to the county, with special emphasis on her pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susan Fanelli, Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Public Health, praised Dr. Wooten.
“The COVID adversity did not just build her character. It revealed her character. Throughout her life, Dr. Wooten has broken barriers and has served as a role model for young people, especially Black American girls who wish to pursue a career in medicine and science,” said Fanelli.
Dr. Wooten’s journey with the County of San Diego began in 2001, and she has served as the Public Health Officer since 2007. Her roots trace back to rural Alabama, where she was the first in her family to attend college. She earned her degree in biology from Spelman College, followed by a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she also completed her doctorate at the School of Medicine.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Wooten expressed gratitude to her Public Health Services team and fellow health officers statewide. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and resilience, drawing from the American Public Health Association’s “10 Essential Public Health Services.”
“Make sure to socialize what you think is a ‘great idea’ with those you think are supportive, as well as with those reluctant, opposed, or impacted by your important policy, practice, or program,” she advised. “And don’t agonize over things that you cannot change.”
The Beverlee A. Myers Award, established in 1993 in honor of the late Beverlee A. Myers’ 25-year career with the California Department of Public Health, continues to recognize those who have made significant contributions to public health, and Dr. Wooten’s recognition further cements her legacy in this vital field.
