California’s first surgeon general resigns after 3 years

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s first surgeon general has resigned, saying that she is prioritizing caring for herself and her family three years after taking the position. Gov. Gavin Newsom named Dr. Nadine Burke Harris to the $200,000-a-year post in January 2019 as part of his administration’s efforts to help young Californians. Her focus was on confronting pressures that could metastasize into health problems, including adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress. She has since spoken publicly on firearm violence, juvenile justice and more recently on the dangers and stresses of the coronavirus pandemic, including helping schoolchildren cope with resulting mental health challenges. Burke Harris referenced those pressures in her statement Wednesday.