PHI Statement on Dr. Burke Harris Appointment as CA State Surgeon General

STATEMENT FROM MARY A. PITTMAN, CEO AND PRESIDENT, PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE

“PHI warmly welcomes the announcement of California’s first surgeon general, and congratulates Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on her appointment to that position.

“The role of the first-ever state surgeon general is pivotal:  she must set the vision and create an ambitious roadmap for the public’s health that will have impacts on generations to come. We can think of no one better equipped to lead that work than Dr. Burke Harris.

“PHI has proudly called Dr. Burke Harris a partner and a colleague for many years. Our programs have collaborated with her on her groundbreaking work at the Center for Youth Wellness highlighting the critical impact of Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) on health and development. PHI awarded her a Champion of Change at our 50th anniversary for her work reassessing the relationship between poverty, child development and health, and demonstrating how the practical applications of ACEs can improve health outcomes.

“Dr. Burke Harris’s brilliance and vision are strengthened by a deep compassion and unwavering commitment to make change where it is needed most. The challenges to health and equity for all who live within California’s borders are great; we believe that Dr. Burke Harris will not just rise to those challenges, but rise above them. We look forward to partnering with her in that work.”