COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine held a news conference Tuesday with the latest information on the state of Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As expected, DeWine did address the abrupt decision by Dr. Joan Duwve to withdraw from consideration to be the new director of the Ohio Department of Health.
"When someone tells you personal reasons, I move on," DeWine explained when asked about the withdrawal of Duwve. "We were open with her, but she felt the need to withdraw for personal reasons, so I respect that."
In a statement provided to Columbia, South Carolina newspaper The State, Dr. Duwve cited previous harassment given to former ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton as the reason for turning down the opportunity to return to her native state to take over as health director.
“In conversations preparing for the transition to the Ohio Department of Health, I was informed that the former director’s family had faced harassment from the public,” she said. “While I have dedicated my life to improving public health, my first commitment is to my family. I am a public figure. My family is off limits. I withdrew my name from consideration to protect my family from similar treatment. I very much appreciate Gov. DeWine’s confidence in me. I am grateful to Gov. McMaster, the incredible team at the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the people of South Carolina, who have welcomed me so warmly.”
Acton resigned in June after taking over the job in February of 2019. While Acton was lauded by many, she also faced criticism from those who believed the state's response to the coronavirus, which included a stay-at-home order that lasted throughout April, was too severe. In May, the Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation that would curb Acton's ability to issue orders longer than 14 days (the bill failed to pass in the state senate), while some protesters demonstrated outside of her personal residence.
Also on Tuesday, DeWine announced a new initiative called 'Ohio To Work.' Led by JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, and several other state departments, this new program brings together employers, nonprofits, educators, and training providers to help Ohioans reskill and restart their careers.
"We know it can be a challenge to find a job right now, but we also know employers are hiring in industries like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing," DeWine added.
The governor announced that the first Ohio To Work initiative will be launched in Cleveland/Cuyahoga County, and it is hoped the effort will be expanded to more areas of the state. DeWine says more than 30 employers have signed on with the initiative.