Harford?s top doctor resigned because the state and county would not increase funding for the county health department to cover new addiction-treatment programs, county officials confirmed.
Dr. Andrew Bernstein, chief public health officer for the Harford County Health Department, sent a letter to the County Council on Friday announcing he was resigning, said Billy Boniface, president of the council, which accepted the resignation Tuesday.
“He had apparently come to the end of the special session [of the General Assembly] with considerable concerns about the state?s cuts to his budget, and he wanted me to go to the county executive on his behalf,” Boniface said.
Bernstein?s resignation stems from the state?s refusal to fund about $1.7 million in new addiction-treatment programs, new staff and higher salaries that had gone unfunded by the state, which operates the local health departments, county officials said.
When County Executive David Craig refused to cover the state cuts, Bernstein quit, Boniface said.
“Dr. Bernstein is very passionate about his job, and he?s done a lot of good for the county ? but putting yourself out on the line like that doesn?t seem like a very effective way of lobbying for your department,” Craig said.
Bernstein could not be reached for comment.
Chad Shrodes, councilman for northern Harford, said he initially thought the resignation letter was an attempt to force negotiations with the county, but agreed with Boniface that it would not affect the budget.
“There?s still $250 million to be cut from the state budget,” Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti said. “Right now, it?s premature to decide what the shake-out will be for any budget, and I think his decision to resign was premature.”
Deputy Health Officer Susan Kelly said she is filling in for Bernstein, but would not comment on his reasons for resigning because she said it is a personnel matter.
“There?s been a lot of belt-tightening all around, at the state and local levels,” Kelly said. “Dr. Bernstein gave us assurances that he and the county council were supporting the department and public health.”
