The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recognized County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten with the prestigious Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health. This award is given annually to individuals who exhibit outstanding leadership and dedication to all aspects of public health. Dr. Wooten received this award for her exceptional work during the COVID-19 pandemic and her 23 years of service to the County.
At the award ceremony held in Sacramento, CDPH leadership commended Dr. Wooten for her leadership during the challenging times of the pandemic. Susan Fanelli, Chief Deputy Director at CDPH, praised Dr. Wooten’s character and described how she has been a role model for aspiring young people, especially Black American girls interested in pursuing careers in medicine and science. Dr. Wooten, who joined the County of San Diego in 2001 and became the Public Health Officer in 2007, has overcome barriers throughout her life and has dedicated her career to public health.
Dr. Wooten shared her journey from rural Alabama to becoming a public health leader. She was the first person in her family to attend college and graduated from Spelman College with a degree in biology. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and completing her doctorate at the university’s school of medicine. During her acceptance speech for the award, Dr. Wooten highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration among public health professionals and reiterated the significance of following the American Public Health Association’s “10 Essential Public Health Services.”
The Beverlee A. Myers award was established in 1993 to honor the late Beverlee A. Myers, who had a notable 25-year career with CDPH. Dr. Wooten’s dedication to public health, leadership qualities, and commitment to serving her community have made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.