California’s health care services director announced her resignation Tuesday, a move that came after she mocked opponents of mandatory childhood vaccinations as “flat-earthers” on social media.
Jennifer Kent is director of the state Department of Health Care Services, which oversees the state’s massive Medi-Cal system.
No explanation for her departure was immediately released. Kent announced her resignation in a lengthy message to agency employees, and it was unclear whether her exit had been previously planned.
But she quit after she posted on Facebook, “The Capitol is filled with a bunch of flat-earthers today. My poor sweet Bacteria Bear is dripping with unvaccinated booger-eater germs. #believeinscience #vaccinateyourgoddamnkids.”
The “Bacteria Bear” refers to the bronze grizzly bear statue outside Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, where protesters opposed to mandatory childhood vaccinations have led demonstrations against legislation giving the state greater authority to review medical exemptions from childhood vaccinations.
Kent could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and the Health Care Services Department declined repeated requests for comment about her social media post.
“I wanted you to know that I have submitted my resignation, effective the end of this month,” Kent wrote in her letter to department employees. “Between now and my last day, I will be working to ensure that all of the activities that are currently underway are transitioned to the amazing team that already exists here at DHCS.”
She did not refer to the post about anti-vaccine protesters and gave no reason for leaving.
On Monday, Newsom signed SB276 and a related bill to impose new restrictions on medical waivers for vaccinations that children must receive before starting school.
The bills passed after protesters flooded the Capitol, blocking entrances to the building and Newsom’s office, and repeatedly shutting down the state Senate and Assembly with outbursts.
Kent was appointed to lead the Department of Health Care Services in 2015 by then-Gov. Jerry Brown. The department runs the subsidized health care system for about 13 million Californians.
Newsom’s office did not address Kent’s post when asked whether it was a factor in her resignation.
“Jennifer Kent has been a strong leader who has overseen many important improvements in the Medi-Cal programs, including expanding coverage and tackling high prescription drug costs,” spokesman Jesse Melgar said in an email.
“Her contributions have made our state stronger and Californians healthier,” Melgar wrote. “We thank her for her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.”