The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has terminated the head of equity and inclusion, Leann Johnson. The news was confirmed in a statement released by an OHA spokesman this morning. Johnson had been leading the division for over eight years, managing 86 employees and a budget of $52 million.
Alfonso Ramirez, a manager in the agency’s behavioral health division, has taken on Johnson’s responsibilities at least temporarily following her departure. OHA director Sejal Hathi acknowledged Johnson’s work and the importance of equity and inclusion in the organization. However, there was little information provided about the reasons behind Johnson’s termination.
Hathi emphasized the significance of the Equity and Inclusion Division’s work in addressing health inequities and systemic racism. She expressed a commitment to ensuring that the division is supported in its efforts to create positive change in policies and programs. Hathi stated that a dedication to health equity should be a shared responsibility throughout the entire organization, indicating that this work is essential for meeting the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by health disparities.
