In recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to public health, San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten has been awarded the prestigious Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health. This award is presented annually to individuals who have shown outstanding contributions to public health.
Dr. Wooten has been serving San Diego County for 23 years, with a particular focus on her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the ceremony held in Sacramento, she was praised for her resilience and character in the face of adversity. She has been an inspiration to young Black American girls pursuing careers in medicine and science, and has been at the forefront of San Diego County’s response to COVID-19, providing regular updates to the public and media.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Wooten expressed gratitude for the support she received from her colleagues at the county’s public health services team and other health officials across California. Despite facing criticism from some members of the community, she emphasized the importance of engaging with people who may not always agree with you, citing it as a key factor in effective communication and building trust within communities.
Dr. Wooten joined San Diego County in 2001 and has served as its public health officer since 2007. She holds degrees in biology and public health from Spelman College and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill respectively. The Beverlee A. Myers Award is named after Beverlee A Myers who had a 25-year career with CDPH before passing away in 1993.
The award ceremony recognized Dr. Wooten’s commitment to improving public health outcomes for all residents of San Diego County, including those who are most vulnerable due to systemic racism or socioeconomic status.
Overall, Dr. Wooten’s achievements reflect her deep passion for improving public health outcomes for all Californians, particularly those who are most vulnerable due to systemic racism or socioeconomic status.
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