In a public statement released on Friday, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole announced she is stepping down from her post effective Feb. 15.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as health commissioner for the past three years," Bettigole said. "I am immensely proud of the work that has taken place in the health department and am profoundly grateful for the professionalism, expertise, and dedication found within the employees who I was fortunate to serve with."
Bettigole stepped in as acting health commissioner in May 2021 following the resignation of Dr. Thomas Farley. She accepted a permanent appointment in November 2021.
As health commissioner, she oversaw the development of a five-year strategic plan focused on increasing equity in the health department, improving residents' access to primary care, and public health emergency preparation. She also served as a leading expert in navigating the city's opioid and overdose crises. Over the summer, she testified at a public hearing at Conwell Middle School about the quality of life in Kensington.
"The laws in the state of Pennsylvania about the provision of medical care against somebody's will are very, very strict… but essentially providing medical care to somebody against their will, except in a very narrow circumstance, is considered to be assault," said Bettigole, in response to Councilman Mark Squilla's suggestion that the city uses a 302 system for people living with addiction in the neighborhood.
"So while we might – and there are many situations where we desperately want to provide medical care to somebody who is saying, 'no,' – we have to convince them, we cannot just provide the care that we feel is necessary without their consent," she added.
In a press release on Friday, Mayor Cherelle Parker thanked Bettigole for her service to the city.
"Dr. Bettigole has served our city and citizens well as health commissioner, and we thank her for all her public service to Philadelphia," Parker said. "The health department performs vital services for our residents, from primary care to vaccinations to alerting Philadelphia when communicable diseases are spreading, among many services, and we embrace its mission."
Deputy Health Commissioner Frank Franklin will step in as interim health commissioner as officials start the search for a permanent leader of the health department.
Have any questions, comments, or concerns about this story? Send an email to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
