A dedicated member of the U.S. Public Health Service who, after facing coercion and denial of her religious accommodation regarding the COVID-19 shot, struggles to regain her position amidst bureaucratic obstacles and age waiver rejections.
Davis Younts spoke to The Gateway Pundit on behalf of his client, Dr. Olivia Richarson (a pseudonym), who wished to remain anonymous due to concern about reprisals. Younts, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, highlighted Dr. Richardson’s situation as emblematic of the struggles faced by individuals dedicated to the U.S. Public Health Service. He emphasized that over a decade of her exemplary service is at risk of being “forgotten.”
The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps is recognized for its cadre of skilled public health professionals, who, similar to military officers, must remain prepared to respond to health emergencies threatening national security.
Dr. Richardson’s experience parallels that of military personnel during the COVID-19 era, as members of the Public Health Service were mandated to receive the shots. She submitted a Religious Accommodation Request (RAR), citing her strong religious beliefs against the vaccine, a stance shared by many due to the COVID-19 shot’s association with aborted fetal cells in its development and testing.
Her RAR was denied. She appealed the decision, but the appeal was also rejected. According to Younts, she encountered various forms of coercion and mistreatment, ultimately leading her to what he flippantly described as a “voluntary” resignation.
“She didn’t have a choice,” he explained. “She didn’t have the support for any kind of litigation, so she was forced to resign under threat of punishment.”
Despite the toll this ordeal took on her, Younts praised Dr. Richardson’s resilience. “She is a dental professional. She is a doctor. And she had a very difficult time finding employment because of the mandates,” he shared.
Despite everything, he said, she continued to meet medical and physical requirements, holding onto the hope that someday she would be able to return to her career.
After the enforcement of the mandate came to an end, former USPHS personnel the opportunity to be reinstated and return to the field. While USPHS is not a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, Younts said, the reinstatement process is very similar through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“The process was slow. Recruiters claimed they required direction. They said they didn’t know how to handle it. Then finally, in what month and year, she gets the packet in,” Younts said. “They informed her that everything looked good, but told her she was over the age requirement to return.”
Would anyone be surprised that Dr. Richardson applied for an age waiver, only to have it denied?
“She did everything right, following all the correct procedures as she was told, yet was informed that she can’t be reinstated because she now requires an age waiver,” Younts lamented.
Her only remaining option was to make a request for reinstatement through the Board for Correction.
Two weeks ago, she submitted her packet to the Board. “They responded and told us that there are 26 cases in front of hers and she should expect a decision to take a minimum of 12 to 18 months,” said Younts. “Another roadblock,” he remarked, alluding to the extensive amount of time required to find out whether she can be reinstated.
These are the same issues the Secretary of War has been urged to address for service members, and while progress is being made, the uniformed Public Health Service is encountering the same obstacles. For Younts, “this is a great opportunity for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and others in his department to act quickly to resolve this issue.”
Younts and Dr. Richardson have also reached out to the office of Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) on two occasions, remaining optimistic that the updated information regarding the delays will prompt the office to engage and help remove the administrative hurdles she faces for at least the next year.
“She has suffered mightily and all she wants to do is get back in and continue to serve,” Younts declared.
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