Kasich names new state medical director

COLUMBUS

Gov. John Kasich has named the woman who helped lead Ohio’s Ebola response in recent weeks to serve as the state medical director.

Mary DiOrio has worked for the Ohio Department of Health for more than a dozen years, most recently as the state epidemiologist.

She replaces Mary Applegate, who served as interim state medical director over the past few months. The latter is returning to the state’s Department of Medicaid, where she serves as medical director.

In her new position, DiOrio will report to Richard Hodges, who was appointed as the agency’s director in August. DiOrio will focus on medical issues, while Hodges will focus on the overall management of the department.

DiOrio helped to oversee the state’s response after a Texas nurse who visited the Akron area over a weekend was diagnosed with Ebola. Efforts included monitoring of 160-plus residents, increased training and preparation of hospitals and emergency responders and the purchase of additional protective gear for use in case of an Ebola outbreak.

None of the residents who had direct or tangential contact with the Dallas nurse developed the disease.