On June 11, 2020, Dr. Amy Acton resigned as director of the Ohio Department of Health and became chief health adviser to Governor DeWine.
The move came as some lawmakers pushed bills to limit the health department’s emergency orders. The Ohio Senate rejected one House proposal, though debate over health powers continued.
Her Explanation
Acton has said proposed limits would have conflicted with her duty as a physician, and that her decision was not driven by protests.
Next Chapter
She left the adviser role in August 2020 and returned to The Columbus Foundation.
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.