Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye abruptly resigns

Oklahoma Air National Guard surgeon Col. Lance Frye smiles as he answers questions from the media after being named as interim commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as the state continues to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Friday, May 22, 2020, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye has announced his resignation from the post. Frye, who was named commissioner in May 2020, is stepping down immediately, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said on Friday.

“It has been an honor to serve Oklahoma and advance public health for all Oklahomans,” Lance Frye, M.D. said. “I admire the dedication, resilience, and tenacity of the OSDH team. They have worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure Oklahomans had access to not only COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and critical information, but to other life-saving services.”

Governor Kevin Stitt, who appointed Frye, praised Frye’s “steady leadership” in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.