Adinaro to step down as deputy health commissioner

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced Aug. 25 that Dr. David Adinaro, deputy commissioner for Public Health Services, will step down, effective Sept. 6.

Adinaro played a critical role in the state’s COVID-19 response, joining the Department of Health in June 2020 as an emergency physician with expertise as a chief medical officer. Before serving as deputy commissioner, he helped coordinate the Secaucus Field Medical Station for recovering COVID patients.

In addition to his pandemic efforts, Adinaro was also involved in New Jersey’s monkeypox response.

“I, along with the entire Department, thank Dr. Adinaro for his commitment to protecting public health and his contributions in helping to guide New Jersey through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Persichilli said. “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Dr. Meg Fisher, special adviser to the department and pediatric infectious disease specialist, will serve as acting deputy commissioner for Public Health Services.

Public Health Services performs a number of functions and includes the divisions of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Family Health Services, HIV, STD, and TB services, Public Health Infrastructure, Laboratories and Emergency Preparedness, and the Offices of Local Public Health, of Women’s Health, and of Opioid Policy and Response.