Dr. Wilma Wooten, face of SD County’s COVID response, announces retirement [Video]

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County’s public health officer and the face of the county’s COVID-19 response, announced her retirement Tuesday following 23 years of service.

Of that time, 17 years were spent as the county’s lead doctor.

“During her career, Dr. Wooten has prioritized the prevention and control of infectious disease, protection from environmental hazards and promoted injury prevention,” county officials said in a statement. “She has reinforced healthy choices and lifestyles, emergency preparedness and has fought to eliminate health disparities in traditionally underserved communities.”

In May, Wooten was honored by the California Department of Public Health with its highest recognition — the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health, presented annually for outstanding leadership and dedication to all aspects of public health.

“The COVID adversity did not just build her character. It revealed her character,” said Susan Fanelli, chief deputy director at …