Dr. Sara Cody, the long-standing Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara, has declared her retirement after over 25 years of devoted service to the community. Renowned for her decisive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Cody was instrumental in implementing the nation's first Stay-at-Home order, an act that saw her emerge as a guiding force in navigating the health crisis. Her final day with the County is penciled in for April 11, according to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
In her tenure, Dr. Cody played a pivotal role in Santa Clara's robust response to the pandemic, collaborating with Bay Area leaders to establish a unified, regional approach to COVID-19 policies. Her efforts were crucial in maintaining one of the lowest pandemic death rates in the nation. As County Executive James R. Williams stated, per Santa Clara County Public Health Department, "Her proactive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic saved many lives." Under her guidance, Santa Clara also became the second most vaccinated large county in the United States.
Dr. Cody's career with Santa Clara County began in July 1998 when she took on the role of Communicable Disease Controller and Deputy Health Officer. During her impressive run, she also tackled issues such as racial and health equity, the reintegration of the Public Health and Environmental Health departments, and the creation of the African-American Roots Clinic. She was commended for her contributions and received several accolades, including certificates from the United States Congress and the California state legislature.
Upon Dr. Cody's departure, Dr. Sarah Rudman will act as Acting Health Officer and Director. As the county begins to transition into this new chapter, the Santa Clara community continues to reflect on the steadfast leadership and unwavering service Dr. Cody provided, steering them through one of the most challenging public health crises in history. Her tenure may be concluding, but the measures she implemented and her relentless drive for community wellness will remain as part of her indelible mark on Santa Clara's public health landscape.
