Dr. Angela Dunn to leave state health department for Salt Lake County
Apr 20, 2021, 1:12 PM | Updated: 1:30 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist, will soon leave the Utah Department of Health to take a new role as executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Dunn replaces Gary Edwards, who plans to retire in July after 16 years with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
According to a news release from Salt Lake County health officials, Dunn will join the department June 1 to work alongside Edwards during the transition.
A warm welcome for Dr. Dunn from Salt Lake County
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dunn to Salt Lake County in this critical role at this historic time,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in the statement. “Dr. Dunn is a household name due to her strength and expertise demonstrated at the state during COVID, but she is equally knowledgeable and committed to all aspects of public health.”
Dunn holds a medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, as well as a master of public health in epidemiology degree from San Diego State University. Her public work in Utah began on assignment as an epidemic intelligence service officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014, before she became state epidemiologist in 2018.
“I’m excited to join one of the nation’s most respected local health departments,” Dunn said in the news release. “I’m honored to serve the people who live and work in Salt Lake County, which is also my home, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the amazing public health professionals in Salt Lake County.”
UDOH: Dunn will be missed
The Utah Department of Health issued a statement wishing Dunn well in the new endeavor.
“It’s hard to overstate the truly life-saving contributions Dr. Dunn has made to Utah’s COVID-19 response,” the department said. “Whether it was her steady voice at the press briefing podium, or her capable leadership at the table where decisions are made, Dr. Dunn was always a champion for the health and wellbeing of Utah residents.
“While we are said to see her go, we look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Dunn in her new role,” the statement read.
Read more:
- Mendenhall, Dunn attribute SLC drop in COVID-19 cases to mask mandate
- Dr. Dunn: “We are certainly moving in the right direction” with COVID-19 spread
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Obtain a flu shot.
- Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
