Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stressed the importance of transparency and taking responsibility on the "Public Health Review Morning Edition" podcast.
"I think we've always been used to feeling like we understand science and we understand health and we're the best ones to give advice and people are deliberately avoiding the experts now," Harris said. "So. it is a crucial time. Trust in public health continues to be on the top of everyone's mind."
Harris was named president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), a nationwide non-profit organization with ties to George Soros.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris' mandates were highly criticized. Alabama changed its laws on how the State Health Officer is appointed to avoid future mandates by an unelected official with little oversight.
Now Harris says taking responsibility should be a priority.
"You know, we have to be more overt about taking responsibility about explaining why we make decisions; explaining the 'why' is a phrase that you, you know, you've heard quite a bit as we're discussing this idea of building trust," Harris said on the podcast.
Harris said the public health sector's collaboration will be critical in the next few years.
"Our agencies all exist in their own sort of unique political environment and we have different areas of focus and different resources," he explained. "But actually, we have this really common mission of promoting health and safety and wellness and we are stronger when we do it all together. "
ASTHO focuses on health equity and states its partners "must advocate for changes that maximize health and address inequities—inequities that exist among groups based on geographic location, income, education, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability."
The organization also recommends states develop a strategic framework and inclusive policies for "socially marginalized communities."
Harris has publicly voiced concerns about Alabama's gender-affirming care laws. Harris claimed his comments were taken out of context. 1819 News released the full audio of his speech to clear up any allegations of inaccurate reporting or claims that his comments were taken out of context.
Harris joined the ADPH in 2015 and was appointed State Health Officer in 2018.
The ADPH has not responded to an 1819 News media inquiry.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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