DeWine Faces Questions On Challenges Finding New Health Director

Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) is getting questions about why his first pick for state health director turned down the job, after she cited concerns about potential harassment.

After withdrawing herself from consideration for "personal reasons," Dr. Joan Duwve told a news outlet in South Carolina, where leads the state health agency, that she did not want to become Ohio's next health director because of the harassment former director Dr. Amy Acton endured.  

DeWine said his administration was open with Duwve about the demonstrations that occurred at Acton's house earlier in the pandemic. 

When asked if concerns about harassment could discourage future candidates, the governor acknowledged it could be a factor.

"If the question is, can we find a person to serve, who's a very good person to serve as health director, the answer is certainly, yes," DeWine said.

The heavy scrutiny of public health officials is not just an Ohio issue, but happening around the country, DeWine said, adding that, to his knowledge, no one else has been offered the job only to turn it down out of concerns about potential harassment.

Acton stepped down from her post as Ohio’s health director in June and left government service entirely last month.

DeWine is also looking to fill the vacancy of state medical officer.

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