The department’s communications director, James Garrow, says Johnson has inappropriately provided information to both Philly Fighting COVID and the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium about the city’s request to make proposals to roll out vaccinations.
The city chose Philly Fighting COVID, but ended the partnership after the start-up changed its corporate status from non-profit to for-profit without the city’s knowledge.
Johnson’s actions have been referred to the city’s inspector general.
The city has released a statement that reads in part:
Today we learned that Acting Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Caroline Johnson has communicated about the vaccination quote request with at least two suppliers: Philly Fighting COVID and the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium. These announcements were made after the RFP was publicly posted. However, these actions were inappropriate because the shared information was not available to all potential applicants. When Dr. Johnson received this information, he resigned her. While these actions may have been intended to help promote vaccine distribution throughout the city, the health commissioner has accepted her resignation in the best interest of the city. Commissioner Farley has also referred the matter to the Inspector General of the City of Philadelphia. The health department remains committed to responding to the pandemic and distributing vaccines as quickly and safely as possible, as directed by the mayor.
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