Dr. Joe Kanter, Interim Assistant Secretary of Louisiana’s Office of Public Health, writes to all OPH team members as he transitions to State Health Officer on February 8, 2021. Read his letter here.
OPH Family,
It has been an incredible honor to serve as Interim Assistant Secretary during these past five months. This pandemic–which is not yet through with us–has demanded the very best of us. It has certainly challenged me, both personally and professionally, in ways I could not have imagined previously. A major solace during these unprecedented times has been the dedication, inspiration, and altruism of the OPH team. Louisiana needs you now, and you have stepped up beyond measure. I thank you in the most sincere terms possible.
It is a great joy to formally welcome Kim Hood back to Team OPH as our new Assistant Secretary. Kim is no stranger to challenges and helped us navigate two big ones in recent years– a first-in-the-nation program to connect every Louisianan living with hepatitis C with curative and lifesaving treatment, and the coordination and provision of diagnostic COVID testing during the initial months of the pandemic. Kim brings creativity, compassion, and an indefatigable energy to all she does and we (with the rest of Louisiana!) are extraordinarily fortunate to have her take over leadership of this Office.
Welcome back Kim!
~j
Joe Kanter, MD, MPH
State Health Officer
Louisiana Department of Health
You are OPH 