Alfonso Ramirez Temporarily Taking Over as Head of Equity and Inclusion at OHA Following Leann Johnson’s Termination

Alfonso Ramirez, a manager in the agency’s behavioral health division, has temporarily taken over the responsibilities of Leann Johnson, who was terminated from her position as head of equity and inclusion at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The news of Johnson’s departure was confirmed by an OHA spokesman this morning.

Johnson had been leading the division for over eight years, managing 86 employees and a budget of $52 million. Despite little information being provided about the reasons behind her termination, Johnson herself confirmed to WW that she had been fired.

Following Johnson’s departure, OHA director Sejal Hathi acknowledged her work and the importance of equity and inclusion in the organization. She expressed a commitment to ensuring that the division is supported in its efforts to create positive change in policies and programs. Hathi emphasized the significance of the Equity and Inclusion Division’s work in addressing health inequities and systemic racism. She stated that a dedication to health equity should be a shared responsibility throughout the entire organization, indicating that this work is essential for meeting the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by health disparities.