County health officer announces retirement – Welcome to San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Health Officer Michael A. Sequeira has announced that he will retire on Nov. 20.

Dr. Sequeira, who joined the department in November 2020, has had a profound impact on public health in San Bernardino County. His time with the county was marked by significant contributions, particularly in the areas of the county’s COVID-19 response and fentanyl-use prevention.

“Dr. Sequeira’s leadership of the Department of Public Health has been invaluable,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We thank him for his unwavering dedication, especially during such challenging times, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

For the past 30 years, Dr. Sequeira has worked in leadership roles at the local and state levels, including as regional director of six of the county’s hospital emergency departments, including hospitals in San Bernardino, Apple Valley, Colton and Redlands. He was previously the president of the San Bernardino County Medical Society and a member of the steering committee of the Inland Empire Opioid Crisis Coalition, which worked on an educational program for opioid prescribing and overdose treatment and prevention in hospitals and the community. His participation in these groups facilitated greater collaboration and improved health outcomes across the region.

Under Dr. Sequeira’s leadership, the Department of Public Health played a crucial role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in San Bernardino County. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in the county’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, implement vaccination programs, and provide accurate public health information to the community.

Furthermore, Dr. Sequeira is a strong advocate for addressing the fentanyl crisis, a growing concern in many communities. He led efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, promoted prevention strategies, and supported those affected by substance use disorders. Dr. Sequeira was among the founding steering committee members of the Inland Empire Opioid Coalition. In collaboration with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and Department of Behavioral Health, Dr. Sequeira assisted in the development of the Naloxone distribution program, which put the life-saving medication in the hands of community organizations.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of San Bernardino County,” said Sequeira. “It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated professionals and to contribute to the health and well-being of our community. I am incredibly proud of the challenges we have overcome during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

With Dr. Sequeira’s upcoming retirement, the Department of Public Health will have an open recruitment for his successor. The search will focus on finding a candidate who can build on Dr. Sequeira’s successes and continue to advance the health and wellness of San Bernardino County residents.

Dr. Sequeira’s retirement plans include staying involved with various medical and advocacy groups to continue to improve the health and well-being of county residents. Additionally, he looks forward to improving his pickleball skills and spending more time with his new grandson.

Additional County Update News – August 15, 2024