Long Beach appoints Dr. Cliff Okada as city’s new health officer – Press Telegram

Long Beach has appointed a new health department leader.

Dr. Cliff Okada, a board-certified family medicine physician and an HIV specialist certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, has taken on the role of city health officer for the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, the city announced in a Monday, Nov. 2, press release.

In this position, Okada will provide medical and public health leadership for the city’s HHS programs and services, supporting efforts to protect and promote the health of the Long Beach community.

“Dr. Okada is a valued member of our health department as he helps guide our response to public health challenges and provides essential care to our communities,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. “His experience, leadership and commitment to our residents will serve Long Beach well as he steps into the city health officer role.”

As a local health jurisdiction, Long Beach is legally required to have a health officer, city officials said. The health officer oversees responsibilities related to communicable disease prevention and control, disease reporting and investigation, and public health emergency response.

Previously, Okada served as medical director for the Long Beach HIV Care and Coordination Clinic, and as interim medical director for the Occupational Health Clinic, according to the press release. He also supported several health department clinical services, including the Sexual Health Clinic, Family Planning Clinic, Tuberculosis Clinic and Immunization Clinic. Okada provided clinical oversight during tuberculosis investigations and the city’s COVID-19 response as well.

Before joining the city, Okada spent several years with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, providing primary care as an HIV specialist before becoming medical director of the AHF Wellness Center, the press release said. In those roles, he oversaw healthcare providers, and led the development and implementation of testing and treatment protocols for sexually transmitted infections across three Wellness Centers in the greater Los Angeles region.

“It is an honor to serve as city health officer and to continue working with the dedicated team at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services,” Okada said in a statement. “I look forward to addressing emerging public health needs and helping ensure Long Beach residents have access to the information and services they need to live healthy lives.”