Dr. Candy Stockton confirmed as Humboldt's new Health Officer

Dr. Candy Stockton was named Humboldt County’s new Health Officer, following confirmation by the Board of Supervisors today. 

Dr. Stockton, a fourth-generation Humboldt County native, received her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is board certified in Family and Addiction Medicine. She served as the Medical Director for Shingletown Medical Center in Shasta County for nine years and most recently spent nearly five years as the Chief Medical Officer for the Humboldt Independent Practice Association in Eureka. 

“Having spent years practicing medicine in rural Northern California has given me a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in medicine and community health in rural and isolated areas,” Dr. Stockton said. 

In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Stockton is involved in advancing the treatment of substance use disorders with a focus on pregnant and parenting individuals at the statewide level. She is also a trainer and consultant for the national Opioid Response Network and a contributing member of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative’s Mother & Baby Substance Exposure Initiative Toolkit.

Humboldt County Public Health Director Sofia Pereira said she is pleased to welcome Dr. Stockton to the Public Health team. “Her diverse experience in delivering care and working across organizations to improve health outcomes in rural communities aligns perfectly with Public Health’s mission,” Pereira said. “Along with supporting our clinical duties, Dr. Stockton will be involved in advancing the community health improvement plan priorities: substance use disorder and suicide prevention, adverse childhood experiences and housing and homelessness.”

Dr. Stockton lives in Eureka with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and trying new recipes. She is currently serving on the board of the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, where she has many happy memories with her grandparents, parents and children. 

Dr. Stockton’s first day is expected to be July 18. She replaces Dr. Ian Hoffman who stepped down from the position in early March. Drs. Kate Estlin and Donald Baird have been filling the position part time and will stay on to support the transition.