Former Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) commissioner Dr. Alison Arwady is now with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, according to Axios.
The CDC announced on Nov. 9 that Arwady will lead the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. She will help with attempting to curb drug overdosesthe leading cause of death for adults ages 18-45.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson fired Arwady in August after she served as the public health commissioner for four years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her new job will start Jan. 16, 2024, per CBS Chicago.
"I am honored to join the CDC in tackling some of the most pressing public health issues that face our communities today," Arwady said in a statement. "During my time leading Chicago's Department of Public Health, I saw the power of using local data to drive public health action and I look forward to translating this experience to a national scale. From overdose to violence, this country is in crisis, and we must meet the crisis with strong public health approaches that center evidence and equity."
CDPH has not yet replaced Arwady. Her deputy, Fikirte Wagaw, is the acting commissioner.
Andrew Davis