May 05, 2021
Area(s) of Interest:
Advocacy
California Medical Association President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., issued the following statement in response to continued attacks on public health officers, including recent death threats against Phoung Luu, M.D., public health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties:
"One of the unfortunate side effects of this pandemic has been the demonization of public health officers by fringe voices and anti-vaccination activists. Public health should not be a political issue and the public must also speak out when public servants like Dr. Luu come under attack. The death threats she has received are unacceptable and must not be tolerated. While we have seen an uptick in targeting of public health officers around the state and across the country, the most vitriolic seems to be reserved for women and those of Asian-Pacific Islander descent. Enough is enough. We cannot tolerate efforts to intimidate public servants like Dr. Luu, and must ensure we have public protections in place for public health officers. As we work together to bring this pandemic to an end, we must also work to address the increase in racial hatred and the increased threats against those who are working overtime to keep the public safe.”