Charleston, WV – West Virginia Democratic leaders on March 21st, sharply criticized Governor Patrick Morrissey for neglecting to appoint a qualified Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health and failing to ensure active participation by key cabinet secretaries in critical legislative discussions.

Justin Davis currently serves as Interim Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, despite lacking medical credentials or a public health degree. Davis, whose academic background is in political science, previously worked for Barry Dunn, a tax consulting firm.

"Governor Morrissey's refusal to appoint a qualified Commissioner is not just negligent—it's irresponsible and dangerous," said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. "West Virginians are paying the price for his political games. We're facing some of the worst health outcomes in America, yet our Bureau for Public Health is being run by a political appointee with no public health expertise."

Democrats assert Governor Morrissey is delaying the appointment intentionally, pending passage of controversial legislation aimed at dismantling West Virginia's effective childhood immunization laws.

Delegate Anitra Hamilton, Minority Vice Chair of the House Health Committee, expressed concern, saying, "It's clear Governor Morrissey knows no credible doctor or public health professional would testify in favor of weakening immunization protections. Putting Justin Davis in this role is like a dentist recommending sugary soda instead of toothpaste. It's absurd, and it's endangering the health of our children and communities."

Adding to concerns, Secretary of Health Arvin Singh and Secretary of Human Services Alex J. Mayer have been noticeably absent from legislative hearings. Singh's limited appearances have primarily involved lobbying for Certificate of Need policies, reflecting his past role as a Maryland hospital executive. Secretary Mayer, meanwhile, appears preoccupied with his recent relocation from South Dakota, neglecting his responsibilities during a critical legislative session.

"West Virginia is number one in preventable deaths and near the top in health insurance premiums," Pushkin added. "We can't afford a public health system without leadership. We can't afford absentee cabinet secretaries during a health crisis. West Virginians deserve leadership that shows up and puts their well-being first."

West Virginia Democrats urge immediate action from Governor Morrissey to appoint qualified leadership for the Bureau for Public Health and demand active participation from his cabinet in addressing West Virginia's ongoing health crisis.