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Author: Brahm Resnik | 12 News
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona will be extending his $400-an-hour contract as Arizona’s chief medical officer, possibly through the end of Gov. Doug Ducey’s term next year, 12 News has learned.
The state has paid Carmona more than $35,000 for the equivalent of two full weeks of work since his hiring in August, according to public records obtained by 12 News.
In response to an inquiry by 12 News, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed that Carmona would remain under contract with DHS beyond the initial Dec. 31 end date for the contract and perhaps through 2022.
“I will stay for the duration, as long as my presence brings value,” Carmona said, through DHS spokesman Steve Elliott.
Ducey’s term in office ends at the beginning of 2023.
Ducey spokesman C.J. Karamargin credited Carmona with advocating for COVID-19 vaccinations.
“Since the contract was signed, 2 million doses have been administered,” Karamargin said. “He has proven to be a real MVP in terms of getting the word out.”
The state has administered 9.4 million doses since the COVID vaccine’s rollout on Dec. 1, 2020.
One year later, 54% of all Arizonans are fully vaccinated. Nationally, 61% of the population is fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
