Rep. Mike Levin Honors UCSD Dean of Public Health as his Constituent of the Month
San Juan Capistrano, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced Dr. Cheryl Anderson, epidemiologist and newly appointed founding dean of UCSD’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, is the Constituent of the Month. A resident of Del Mar in California’s 49th Congressional District, Dr. Anderson is a passionate advocate and educator addressing the equity and culture issues in America’s public health.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Dr. Cheryl Anderson in the Congressional Record:
“Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Cheryl Anderson, founding dean for the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego, and the first Black female dean in the 60-year history of the campus, as the Constituent of the Month for July. Specializing in the study of under-represented populations, Dr. Anderson is an epidemiologist holding Doctoral and Master’s degrees from the University of Washington, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“Dr. Anderson’s appointment comes at a time where our country faces duel crises. Not only are we battling a public health crisis, we are also collectively addressing the deep rooted systemic racism that has long plagued our nation. As our community continues to battle the coronavirus, we are seeing Black Americans and other minority groups make up a disproportionate amount of COVID-19 fatalities.
“The impact of COVID-19 inadvertently exposed other public health problems American minority groups are facing, such as air pollution, poor water quality, poor maternal and child health, lack of access to health insurance, and opportunities for healthy lifestyle behaviors. Dr. Anderson’s curriculum and focus for the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health seeks to address these public health matters with an emphasis on research and education designed to prevent disease, prolong life and promote health through organized community efforts.
“With these goals in mind and the imminent threat of COVID-19 in our community, the UC San Diego public health scientists found themselves in hyper-speed, launching quickly into research, studying treatment and solutions to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.
“I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region and our country a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. Our public health professionals are vital in the fight to overcome health crises and threats, like COVID-19. I am honored to recognize Dr. Anderson as my Constituent of the Month, and I thank her for her passionate advocacy and amplification of public health equity in our district and the country, and ultimately, helping to save lives of those who are marginalized.”
Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and make the country stronger. Levin’s Constituent of the Month for June was Danielle Black Lyons, co-founder of Textured Waves and diversity activist in the surfing industry. His May Constituent of the Month was Dr. Matthew Martin, an Army veteran and local trauma surgeon who supported medical staff in NYC treat patients with Coronavirus. His April Constituent of the Month was Tej Patel and his team at Fluxergy, a local company developing rapid COVID-19 testing.
To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.
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