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Cecile Erwin Young, the Texas health commissioner appointed during one of the state’s earliest and most challenging waves of COVID-19, has announced her retirement, effective January 2.
In a recent news release, Young expressed her gratitude, stating, “This agency impacts every Texan, and I have been honored to serve the people of this state alongside our dedicated staff.”
Governor Greg Abbott will be responsible for selecting her successor.
Young assumed leadership of the health and human services department, which employs nearly 37,000 individuals, in August 2020. She took charge during a tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis in the foster care system, and ongoing scrutiny of the agency’s contracting processes.
During her tenure, Young made strides in stabilizing the foster care system, implementing changes to regulatory requirements for care that lightened the load on medical providers statewide, and securing federal funding to establish a safety net for hospitals during the pandemic.
Additionally, she oversaw the expansion, renovation, and construction of 11 state psychiatric hospitals.
Prior to her role as the head of the health agency, Young held various positions across several state agencies, beginning her career at the Health and Human Services Commission in the early 1990s following its establishment by the Legislature.
At the time Young assumed leadership, the health agency was experiencing a period of instability due to frequent changes in management.
Her predecessor, Courtney Phillips, led the commission for just over a year before departing for the top position at Louisiana’s health agency. The agency also faced significant upheaval in 2018 when contracting scandals prompted the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including former Commissioner Charles Smith.
Governor Abbott praised Young’s nearly four decades of service to Texas, noting that she leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
“Throughout her leadership at Texas Health and Human Services and her career as a public servant, she demonstrated her commitment to excellence and integrity, always focused on caring for Texans and helping them thrive,” he stated in a news release.
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Tagged: Greg Abbott, Health And Human Services Commission, Medicaid, State Agencies
Stephen Simpson is a mental health reporter based in Austin, where he covers topics related to behavioral health in schools, treatment within the judicial system, substance abuse, and the state mental health system.
