Emilie Sayler's roots run deep in southwestern Montana. She serves on a nearby town council and the board of the local Little League. She went to college in a neighboring county and regularly volunteers in the schools of her three kids.
Nationally, KHN and The Associated Press have documented that more than 300 public health leaders, weary of abuse and of their expertise being questioned, have resigned or retired as the country struggles to recover from the worst pandemic in a century. They have been replaced by people often inexperienced yet tasked with repairing the trust of a polarized and fatigued public.
At least 26 states have passed laws or regulations limiting the powers of public health officers this year, meaning these replacements have fewer tools and less authority than their predecessors to enforce their orders and recommendations.
Coronavirus: Meet the new bosses fighting COVID-19 pandemic in Montana greatfallstribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from greatfallstribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.