Dr. Monroe to become deputy dir. of CDC

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Governor Mitch Daniels announced Monday Dr. Judy Monroe will soon leave her job as the state health commissioner to become deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and director of the CDC’s newly formed Office of State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support.

"When you're the best health commissioner in America, someone like the CDC is bound to notice. On behalf of all the kids now immunized all those who didn't suffer from a hospital error or the H1N1 flu, and all those she helped to lose weight or stop smoking, thanks Doc. The nation is lucky to have you," said Daniels.

During Dr. Monroe’s five-year tenure as state health commissioner, Indiana has gone from one of the nation's worst to one of the best in immunizing its children.

The commissioner also implemented Daniels' executive order to create the state's first medical errors reporting system, led the state's response to the H1N1 flu pandemic, and has advocated the governor's INShape Indiana initiative, which is aimed at decreasing tobacco use, increasing physical activity and improving nutrition.

"I'll leave Indiana with a great sense of pride and gratitude. Fortunately, I will continue to be involved with the health departments in my new position,” said Dr. Monroe.

Monroe’s last day as health commissioner will be March 8.