Looking straight into the camera, Dr. Rais Vohra deviated from his usual introductory greeting at Friday’s weekly COVID-19 media briefing and apologized to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
A week prior on Sep. 17, the county’s interim health officer talked about the adverse effects of climate change and pressed Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) to back the Biden administration’s two-part $4.5 trillion spending proposal during a news conference hosted by California Climate and Agriculture Network.
Health Officer’s Call to Action Stepped on Some Toes
To start, Vohra talked about how the excessive heat, drought, wildfire smoke, and air pollution were affecting Fresno County residents, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.
However, talking about the consequences of climate change is not what got Vohra into hot water. It was his call to action.
“Climate change is a global poisoning event,” said Vohra. “The healthcare industry happens to be a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so there is now a growing call to change how we operate within the healthcare systems to make our hospitals and clinics more ecofriendly — it’s a goal that our health department certainly supports and I hope that our federal partners can help us through the Build Back Better plan incentives.”
Board of Supervisors Say They Are Satisfied with Apology
Fresno County Board Supervisor Nathan Magsig said that he felt the bill is controversial and divisive, and thought that perhaps Vohra might not have realized what the press conference was about before sharing his thoughts.
“From what I saw from that press conference last week, it appeared that the group was attempting to put maybe a little bit of pressure on Congressman Costa to support the three and a half trillion dollar spending proposal,” said Magsig.
“I think, you know, some of the comments that were made last week were a little bit political from my standpoint and, with his position, it’s important that he focuses on matters that are in line with the county of Fresno and also policies that are set by the Board of Supervisors. But, I don’t think that Dr. Vohra did anything specifically to spite anyone or spite the county.”
Supervisor Buddy Mendes says communication issues need to be worked out, and that it can be a learning process but he is satisfied with Vohra’s apology.
Magsig added: “He is very skilled and as a medical doctor does great work and I have faith and confidence in his ability.”
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