San Diego’s Dr. Wilma J. Wooten Receives Highest Public Health Honor for Dedication and Leadership Amid COVID-19 Crisis
San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten received the highest honor from the California Department of Public Health, the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health. This award is presented annually to recognize outstanding leadership and dedication to all aspects of public health.
Throughout her 23 years of service to the county, Wooten was at the forefront of San Diego County’s response to various public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, she provided updates on the spread of cases to the media and the public, despite facing challenges and criticism from some members of the community. However, Wooten remained dedicated to her role and received support from her colleagues in the county’s public health services team and other health officials in the state.
Wooten’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was recognized as exceptional, and she was praised for breaking barriers and serving as a role model for young Black American girls interested in pursuing a career in medicine and science. Despite facing criticism from some members of the community, Wooten emphasized the importance of seeking different perspectives, including those who may not agree with your ideas. She joined San Diego County in 2001 and became its public health officer in 2007. Born in rural Alabama, she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating with a degree in biology from Spelman College before earning a Master of Public Health from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Established in 1993, the Beverlee A. Meyers Award honors Beverlee A. Myers’ 25-year career with CDPH by recognizing outstanding leadership and dedication to public health excellence across California communities. During an award ceremony held last week in Sacramento, Wooten was celebrated for her commitment to improving San Diego County’s overall health outcomes while navigating complex issues that impacted thousands of people throughout California.
Overall, Wooten has been a vital asset for San Diego County during times of crisis or uncertainty surrounding public health issues like COVID-19 or infectious diseases like Tuberculosis (TB). Her passion for improving lives has earned her numerous accolades over her distinguished career as a leader within this field.
In conclusion, Dr Wilma J Wooten is an exemplary leader who embodies excellence in public health service delivery through unwavering dedication and commitment towards enhancing our communities’ overall wellbeing regardless of what challenges they face daily or even seasonally such as pandemics or epidemics that threatens our peace
