Listen: Threats, Pressure Prompt Some California Public Health Officials To Leave Office

June 23, 2020

(Lynne Shallcross/KHN illustration; Getty Images)

California Healthline senior correspondent Anna Maria Barry-Jester joined KQED’s Lily Jamali on “The California Report” to discuss her recent story with The Associated Press on the threats that local public health officials face amid a backlash about pandemic restrictions. She also was interviewed about the article on KPBS by Alison St John for “Midday Edition.”

“The California Report”

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“Midday Edition”

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Angry about mask requirements and social distancing lockdowns, people have shared officials’ home addresses and made personal threats, prompting some officials to request security details. That pressure has been too much for others. Senior health officials from seven California counties have resigned or retired since March 15. Dr. Charity Dean, the second-in-command at the state Department of Public Health, submitted her resignation June 4.

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Listen: Threats, Pressure Prompt Some California Public Health Officials To Leave Office

June 23, 2020

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<h1>Listen: Threats, Pressure Prompt Some California Public Health Officials To Leave Office</h1>
<p>California Healthline senior correspondent Anna Maria Barry-Jester joined KQED’s Lily Jamali on “<a href="https://www.kqed.org/californiareport">The California Report</a>” to discuss her <a href="https://californiahealthline.org/news/public-health-officials-face-wave-of-threats-pressure-amid-coronavirus-response/">recent story with The Associated Press</a> on the threats that local public health officials face amid a backlash about pandemic restrictions. She also was interviewed about the article on KPBS by Alison St John for “<a href="https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/2020/jun/24/public-health-officers-threatened-over-covid-19-re/">Midday Edition</a>.”</p>

<p><em>“The California Report”</em></p>
<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" id="audio-1123592-3" preload="none" style="width: 100%;" controls="controls"><source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/TCRAM20200623_AMBJ.mp3?_=3" /><a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/TCRAM20200623_AMBJ.mp3">https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/TCRAM20200623_AMBJ.mp3</a></audio>
<p><em>Can’t see the audio player? <a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/TCRAM20200623_AMBJ.mp3">Click here to download.</a></em></p>

<p><em>“Midday Edition”</em></p>
<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" id="audio-1123592-4" preload="none" style="width: 100%;" controls="controls"><source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/200624_-Midday_Edition_Full_File_01CROPPED.mp3?_=4" /><a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/200624_-Midday_Edition_Full_File_01CROPPED.mp3">https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/200624_-Midday_Edition_Full_File_01CROPPED.mp3</a></audio>
<p><em>Can’t see the audio player? <a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/200624_-Midday_Edition_Full_File_01CROPPED.mp3">Click here to download.</a></em></p>
<p>Angry about mask requirements and social distancing lockdowns, people have shared officials’ home addresses and made personal threats, prompting some officials to request security details. That pressure has been too much for others. Senior health officials from seven California counties have resigned or retired since March 15. Dr. Charity Dean, the second-in-command at the state Department of Public Health, submitted her resignation June 4.</p>
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