I am writing in response to Lisa Miller’s Jan. 27 column, “Gaping holes exist in Maine’s readiness for a public health emergency,” regarding staffing at the Maine Center for Disease Control.

The reality of any skilled workforce is that the work gets done even when a job is vacant. The Maine CDC continues to contract with Maine-based expert epidemiologists who have worked with me and other members of the staff to ensure that services are being provided.

The work is getting done.

I would have appreciated an opportunity to share these facts with Miller before this misinformation was shared with the public.

Dr. Sheila Pinette, director

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Augusta