Dr. Phuong Luu served as the bi-county health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties since 2020 and will step down at the end of May to take a position with Sacramento County. Photo courtesy of Yuba-Sutter Public Health

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - After guiding two counties through a once-in-a-century public health crisis, Bi-County Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu will step down at the end of May to take a new role in Sacramento County, officials announced Wednesday.

Luu has served as the health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties since January 2020, a tenure defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. During that time, she led the regional response, coordinated emergency efforts and helped shape policy decisions that affected thousands of residents.

County leaders in both jurisdictions credited Luu with steady leadership during a period of uncertainty.

“Dr. Luu is an excellent clinical leader, and we were fortunate to experience her leadership in Sutter County,” Sutter County Administrator Steve Smith said. “While we know this will be a deep loss to our community, we are thankful that Dr. Luu’s legacy will be continued by our excellent Sutter County Public Health team.”

Yuba County Administrator Kevin Mallen echoed that assessment, pointing to her reliance on data and focus on community impact.

“We are fortunate to have had Dr. Luu as our bi-county health officer for the last six years, leading our area through unprecedented public health challenges with sound judgment driven by science and community impact,” Mallen said.

Beyond the pandemic response, Luu oversaw long-term initiatives that included community health assessments, regional emergency preparedness planning and efforts to expand access to care through Medi-Cal system reforms.

In a statement, Luu reflected on her time in the role and the partnerships built across sectors.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve the Yuba-Sutter community as your public health officer,” Luu said. “I am deeply grateful for these experiences and confident that you all are in the steady, dedicated hands of Yuba County and Sutter County public health staff and county leadership.”

Both counties plan to have interim health officer coverage in place by June 1 while they begin recruiting for a permanent replacement.

Luu will assume her new position as Sacramento County’s health officer following her departure.