A northern Michigan health officer has resigned this spring. She cited a hostile work environment, lack of support from some local board members and a lack of support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lisa Peacock was the health officer for Northwest Michigan’s Health Department. She resigned Tuesday, February 22. Her contract requires that she give notice for 60 days before her resignation takes effect.
Peacock has more 28 years of healthcare experience, including as a nurse and as a member of the health department that services Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Peacock has been with the department for 12+ years, including her current position as health officer.
Peacock resigned to the board and stated that it was impossible for her support her team despite the ongoing efforts of the board to undermine this strong health department. Peacock said that the disconnect between long-standing culture and innovation in the health department and the current board was both striking and harmful.
Peacock said that while our leadership team isn’t perfect, they understand that people work at their best when they feel valued, supported, trained, and have all the tools they need to do their job well.
I am deeply sorry to have to resign. I love my job and the people I work alongside. I also love our community partners who support our mission.
As they tried to prevent the spread of coronavirus, public health departments across the state have been subject to backlash. Peacock and other health officers have had to contend with coronavirus outbreaks, misinformation, the politicization in public health, and attempts to undermine emergency orders.
Related: Boards of anti-mask counties in Michigan undermine health officials and force them to quit
Peacock filed a complaint against the Michigan Attorney General last year alleging that local officials on the board were encouraging people to bully her. Peacock noted that a September board meeting that lasted four hours was devoted to a motion to cancel her order that required masks be worn at public schools.
Peacock was called to be detained by the attendees. The Zoom broadcast was interrupted by racial slurs, and a pornographic clip. Hecklers intimidated employees of the health department. Peacock stated that the crowd appeared to be on the brink of rioting.
To avoid a crowd of people waiting in the parking lot, the health officer was escorted from the building via an alternate exit. After the meeting, harassment continued for health department staff. Two days later, one facility was placed on lockdown by police after receiving threats via social networking.
Peacock and Joshua Meyerson, the Medical Director, narrowly survived a fire attempt in November. 497 comments were received in support of the board, compared with 66 from the opposition.
The board of Health is composed of two county commissioners, one from each county. These members are appointed each by their respective county board of commissions.
Peacocks health department had earlier this month revoked its school mask mandate. They cited falling per-capita cases, hospitalization rates and availability of child vaccines.
Peacock will continue to work with the health ministry leadership team to develop a transition plan in her final weeks.
Wednesday’s announcement by Peacock on Tuesday did not make it clear if her position as health officer at the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department would be impacted. According to the, the bi-county health board will meet Wednesday evening. It will begin with a Peacock health officer update. Meeting agenda.
MLive was unable to reach Peacock, or other members of the Benzie Leelanau board of health on Wednesday.
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