California’s highest public health honor awarded to Dr. Wilma Wooten

San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten was recently recognized by the California Department of Public Health, receiving the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health. This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication to all aspects of public health. Dr. Wooten was honored for her 23 years of service to the county, particularly for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the award ceremony in Sacramento, Dr. Wooten was praised for her character and resilience in the face of adversity. She has been a role model for young Black American girls interested in pursuing careers in medicine and science. Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Wooten has been at the forefront of San Diego County’s response to COVID-19, providing regular updates to the public and media.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Wooten expressed gratitude for the support she received from the county’s public health services team and other health officials across the state. Despite facing criticism and backlash from some members of the community, Dr. Wooten emphasized the importance of engaging with people who may not always agree with you.

Dr. Wooten joined the county in 2001 and has been serving as the public health officer since 2007. She has a background in biology and public health, having earned her degrees from Spelman College and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The Beverlee A. Myers Award, named after the late Beverlee A. Myers, was established in 1993 in recognition of her 25-year career with the CDPH.