I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be serving as California’s next Surgeon General.

California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, laid the groundwork for this office to be an influential force—launching a movement to address the long-term health impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, tackling early childhood development, and lifting up the needs of vulnerable communities during the largest collective trauma in a century—the COVID-19 pandemic, a pandemic that has exacerbated existing health concerns.

I am acutely aware that while we are all Californians, our experiences differ greatly. Many of us are facing economic hardship, mental health conditions, trauma, grief, homelessness, addiction, racism, attacks on our bodies, our choices, and more.

And while this has certainly been a challenging time for all of us, I view this as an opportunity to do the good work California has become known to do. The good work this office has been known to do. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

My hope for every Californian is a healthier, more equitable future. That is my commitment, and the Office of the California Surgeon General’s commitment to you.

I look forward to serving you.

Data from ACEs Aware Screening, Training, and Certification Progress: October 2022 Update