For Immediate Release:
Contact: Robert Nunez, rnunez@lchc.org
STATEMENT: The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California Statement on Governor Newsom’s Announcement of CalHHS Leadership Transition
[Sacramento, CA] – On Friday, September 6, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the departure of California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. He also announced the appointment of California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Kim Johnson as the new CalHHS Secretary.
Dr. Ghaly has fearlessly led the agency since March of 2019. He has steered the department during a time of unparalleled global uncertainty and was crucial in asserting California as a leader in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of his formal commitments, he demonstrated paramount support for equitable health policies for Latines, even providing a keynote speech during LCHC’s 2021 Latine and Indigenous Health Policy Summit.
“Dr.Ghaly – THANK YOU for your commitment and arduous dedication to protecting the health of all Californians; your unwavering passion for equity these past five years is admirable,” said Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “Thank you for your hard work and legacy in advancing health justice for our comunidad. It was an honor working with you.”
The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California extends a warm welcome to newly appointed Secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency, Secretary Kim Johnson. Secretary Kim Johnson has a long standing record working on behalf of the health and wellbeing of all Californians. As Director of the Department of Human Services, Kim Johnson has helped usher in vital, lifesaving programs regarding food access, housing, health equity and has supported a diverse and culturally competent workforce to administer these programs. Having someone at the helm of CalHHS that has experience working with some of our most diverse communities across the state will strengthen California’s ability to meet the needs of our communities to fight issues like poverty, health disparities, economic inequities, and discrimination.
“We are thrilled to welcome such a fierce leader for health justice as our new CA Secretary of Health. Secretary Johnson – your wisdom, experience, and expertise in advancing health justice through a social determinants of health perspective will be pivotal in ensuring that this critical justice work is sustainable, effective, and successful.” Dr. Aquino said. “ We look forward to the remarkable impact you will bring to the agency and communities across California!”
We are confident that under Secretary Kim Johnson’s leadership, California will continue to provide equitable care and services, improving the quality of life for Latine and Indigenous communities across the state. Congratulations, Secretary Johnson!
The Coalition also acknowledges the historic leadership and thoughtfulness demonstrated by Governor Newsom during his tenure as governor. The decisions he has made in selecting these two fine leaders, will have lasting impacts on the health outcomes of Californians.
“A huge thank you to your vision Governor Newsom, in appointing such powerful leaders into this role, BRAVO!” Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California
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Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) is the leading statewide policy organization with a specific emphasis on Latine & Indigenous health. For over 33 years, LCHC has worked on transforming systems to achieve health justice. We pride ourselves on translating community solutions into equitable policy and lasting systemic change. Our work focuses on legislative and administrative advocacy, people power, and narrative change.
