California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed several key health leaders to his administration, including the state's first surgeon general.
Five things to know:
1. In a Jan. 21 announcement, Mr. Newsom appointed Nadine Burke Harris, MD, to serve as the state's first surgeon general.
2. In her role, Dr. Burke Harris will work with state and federal lawmakers to examine social determinants of health, especially for children. She will also use her platform to address the causes of serious health conditions like adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress.
3. Dr. Burke Harris is the founder and CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing pediatric medicine and raising awareness about children's health issues.
4. She will be sworn in as surgeon general Feb. 11. The governor's office said Dr. Burke Harris will receive an annual salary of $200,000.
5. Mr. Newsom also selected Kris Perry to serve as deputy secretary of the state's HHS agency for early childhood development and senior adviser to the governor on the implementation of early childhood development initiatives.