NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan Resigns, Citing Family Reasons

NYC Health Commissioner Steps Down, Citing Family Reasons

Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York City's health commissioner, announced his resignation, effective early next year. Vasan, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in early 2022, cited personal reasons for his departure, emphasizing the need to spend more time with his family.

<img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?w=1200" alt="Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg 2048w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=700,467 700w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=384,256 384w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=1600,1066 1600w, https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/52962539966_112d74cac0_k.jpg?resize=50,33 50w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" title="NYC Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan to leave Adams admin by early next year 1" __cpp="1">

Vasan's departure comes amid a wave of resignations from the Adams administration, following federal investigations. Notably, former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg also stepped down.

During his tenure, Vasan oversaw the lifting of the city's COVID-19 vaccine mandates, tackled the Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak, and implemented initiatives to address the city's mental health crisis. These included a policy to involuntarily remove those with severe mental illness from city streets and efforts to combat the negative impacts of social media on children.

Vasan also spearheaded a program to wipe out $2 billion in medical debt for 500,000 New Yorkers.

Mayor Adams praised Vasan's work, highlighting his expertise in mental health and public health, stating that the city is safer and healthier due to his efforts. Vasan's departure will be effective in early January 2024.