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Placer County Public Health Director Aimee Sisson resigns abruptly

The resignation comes a day after the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted to end the local COVID-19 health emergency.

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — Placer County Public Health Director Dr. Aimee Sisson is resigning from her position.

Dr. Sisson said that she resigned because of the vote to end the local COVID-19 health emergency at the Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.

"Today's action by the Placer County Board of Supervisors made it clear that I can no longer effectively serve in my role as Placer County Health Officer and Public Health Director," said Dr. Sisson in her resignation letter.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously approved to end the health emergency. They said that the reasoning is because the COVID-19 cases in Placer County are not as bad as California overall and it "harms the community's economic, health, mental and social well-being."

“Over the past seven months with Dr. Sisson’s leadership, Placer County has succeeded in limiting the spread of COVID-19, leaving us well-positioned to continue safely re-opening our economy while still taking necessary precautions,” said Placer County Executive Officer Todd Leopold in a press release.

Dr. Sisson has overseen Placer County's COVID-19 response since February. Under her leadership, the county was able to efficiently test for and detect new coronavirus cases as well as "protect first responders and focus on highly vulnerable residents," according to the press release.

She also worked to make sure schools re-opened safely for in-person instruction in the county while working with the Placer County Office of Education.

"I understand and respect her decision," said Bonnie Gore, Placer County Board of Supervisors Chair. "I understand that she couldn't support the actions that our board took. She has worked really hard the past six months."

Dr. Sisson joined Placer County Public Health in October 2019 and will stay on until September 25 to help transition over her responsibilities as the county searches for her replacement. 

Dr. Sisson issued the following resignation letter to DHS Director Jeff Brown on Tuesday:

“It is with a heavy heart that I submit this letter of resignation. Today’s action by the Placer County Board of Supervisors made it clear that I can no longer effectively serve in my role as Placer County Health Officer and Public Health Director. I intend to remain in my current position until September 25 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. I am grateful to have been granted the tremendous privilege and responsibility of protecting and promoting the health of Placer County’s 400,000 residents over the last 10 months.”

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