RI Loses Second Top Health Officer In As Many Weeks

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is losing its second top health official in as many weeks. Tom McCarthy, the deputy director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, will step down from his position.

McCarthy announced his resignation Thursday, a spokesperson for the department told Patch. A reason was not given for his departure.

Throughout the pandemic, McCarthy has had an integral role in the response effort and has been a familiar face at the governor's COVID-19 briefings. He was named executive director of COVID-19 response, and has been in charge of coordinating the state's vaccine and testing efforts.

McCarthy's resignation comes exactly one week after that of his boss, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, who said last Thursday that she would be stepping down after nearly seven years as director of the department.