Santa Cruz Health Director Set to Step Down

WATSONVILLE — Santa Cruz County Health Services Director Mónica Morales announced Friday that she will leave her position in early June to pursue new opportunities.

Morales, a Watsonville native, helped save Watsonville Community Hospital and expanded mental health services through the construction of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center. She also aided in the establishment of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Consortium and the launch of 24/7 mobile crisis response teams. Morales centered equity in the delivery of health and behavioral health services countywide.

“Returning to my hometown over the past three-and-a-half years to help improve health outcomes for all County residents has been an immensely rewarding experience,” Morales said in a statement. “I’ve decided to pursue new opportunities in order to be closer to my family. I will always cherish my time here and the partnerships we helped build.”

Morales will remain at her post through the Board of Supervisors’ scheduled budget hearing in early June. The county will soon appoint an acting director while it conducts a national search for a permanent replacement.

Mónica is a strong advocate for healthcare who played a key role in overseeing essential enhancements to our care system, benefiting all county residents," stated Santa Cruz County CEO Carlos Palacios. "Her departure leaves us with great sorrow.

Morales' final day as the health services director will be June 3rd.

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