Weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine scandal led to the resignation of Shelby County Health Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter, Mayor Lee Harris has appointed an interim director while the county searches for her permanent replacement.
On Tuesday (March 9), Mayor Harris announced that Dr. LaSonya Harris Hall will serve as the county's interim health director for up to 90 days until the county can appoint a permanent director, a search she will also help lead. According to WMC, Hall currently serves as deputy chief administrative officer for Shelby County Government.
Dr. Haushalter announced her resignation, effective March 15, last month after an investigation uncovered that thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations were expired or wasted. Additionally, two children were "inappropriately vaccinated" during at Shelby County Health Department event in February, despite no reports being made locally or federally. A volunteer at another event was also suspected of stealing several vaccine doses, though it is unclear how many were taken.
"We don't see any process for accountability or confirmation there, which has undoubtedly potentially harmed some folks and withheld vaccine from people who needed it," Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said at the time.
Following the investigation, the City of Memphis took over vaccine distribution, a move which Gov. Bill Lee praised.
"That speaks to the great deal of concern that we have for it, that those vaccines have been transferred, moved to another location," he said, adding that "the distribution is being handled through separate channels because of the great concern we have."
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