Amy Acton: First Woman to Lead the Ohio Department of Health

October 25, 20261 min readBy PinGallery
Acton ODH Director
Photo: United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In February 2019 Governor Mike DeWine named Dr. Amy Acton director of the Ohio Department of Health. She was the final member of his cabinet and the first woman to hold the post.

In her first year she focused on issues such as infant mortality, addiction, and community health.

The Role

The health director oversees disease prevention, health data, licensing, and emergency preparedness for the state.

Unexpected Challenge

About a year after she took office, the first COVID 19 cases reached Ohio, and her role quickly became one of the most visible in state government.

Learn More

To learn more about Dr. Amy Acton and the issues in Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race, read coverage from several Ohio newspapers and public radio stations, review each candidate’s official website, and check nonpartisan voter guides. Hearing from supporters and critics of every candidate helps voters make an informed choice. For official election dates, registration status, and polling locations, visit the Ohio Secretary of State or your county board of elections.

Save this pin to your Ohio people board and share it with someone interested in Ohio public life. For official voting information, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

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