Medical Health Director parting ways with El Paso County Public Health
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Monday afternoon, 13 Investigates confirmed the El Paso County Medical Director is leaving her position by the end of December.
Doctor Robin Johnson was hired by El Paso County Public Health in 2018. During her time with EPCPH, she guided the county through the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's unclear why Johnson is departing, but 13 Investigates learned her contract ends on December 31. A spokesperson for EPCPH told 13 Investigates Doctor Chris Urbina will serve as interim medical director.
Monday evening, Dr. Johnson provided the following statement:
The timing of this change in my position aligns with my contract dates, which is a natural time for transition. My contract is up at the end of this year, and I made the difficult decision not to renew it after three and a half years of service, including 22 months of an unprecedented pandemic response. The decision is multi-factorial, involving professional opportunities which I am currently pursuing; this decision will also provide the opportunity for me to spend more time with family and focus on my personal health. I plan to continue working closely with El Paso County Public Health and community partners on upstream public health prevention efforts, which is where my passions lie. I have nothing but respect and the most heartfelt thanks for steadfast leadership of my Director Susan Wheelan, Deputy Director DeAnn Ryberg, and Public Information Officer Michelle Beyrle, along with the rest of my public health colleagues during this historic time. Over the long hours and changing landscape, we have continuously found best practices and mission to align together for the health of our community. We will continue to be involved in conversations to develop medical and behavioral health collective impact models to address substance use disorders, youth resilience, and more. As I continue to explore these possibilities, I am excited to have ongoing opportunities to utilize my expertise and medical practice for health advocacy in the Pikes Peak region.
El Paso County Public Health Medical Director Dr. Robin Johnson
Information will come soon about the hiring process for a full-time medical director.
