San Francisco’s top public health leader, Dr. Grant Colfax, has announced he will resign after six impactful years. He led the city’s health response during the COVID-19 pandemic and fought against the fentanyl crisis.
Colfax shared his decision on Thursday, stepping down from his role as executive director of the Department of Public Health. His departure comes as Mayor Daniel Lurie makes changes within the city’s administration, following recent announcements from other department heads, including transit director Jeffrey Tumlin.
Dr. Naveena Bobba, currently the deputy director, will serve as the acting director until a new permanent replacement is appointed.
In an email to his team, Colfax described his tenure as “the honor of a lifetime.” He expressed gratitude for their efforts, highlighting the profound changes that have prepared the health department for future challenges.
Colfax’s leadership was particularly crucial during the COVID pandemic, where he worked closely with Mayor London Breed to implement life-saving measures. Under their guidance, San Francisco achieved impressive vaccination rates, with 80% of residents vaccinated within the first year. This achievement garnered national recognition, and in 2022, the San Francisco Bay Times referred to him as a “public health warrior.”
On another front, the battle against the fentanyl crisis presented significant challenges. Fentanyl overdoses surged, reflecting a broader national epidemic. The city has faced mounting pressure to address this ongoing issue. In his recent inaugural speech, Mayor Lurie emphasized the need for fresh strategies to combat fentanyl, a change that Colfax’s resignation may facilitate.
Throughout his time as director, Colfax managed around 8,000 staff members and oversaw vital facilities like Laguna Honda Hospital. His career in public health spans decades, beginning in 1997 when he contributed to HIV prevention efforts in San Francisco. He later served in the Obama administration, leading the Office of National AIDS Policy, where he applied his local insights on a national scale.
Under his guidance, the HIV infection rate in San Francisco fell to levels not seen in years. Colfax emphasized the importance of combining science, data, and compassion in public health work, stating, “Together, and in partnership with the community, we improved outcomes for both individuals and populations.”
Dr. Colfax’s final day in office is set for February 7.
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Source linkCity Hall,Department of Public Health
