One Officer to Open Up His Journal Online to Tell the World What He Sees
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral
Richard H. Carmona today thanked the 33 officers of the United States Public
Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps who are helping the people of
Indonesia to recover and rebuild from the devastating tsunami that hit parts
of Asia and East Africa in December.
The PHS officers represent agencies and offices of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Indian Health Service, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Office of the Secretary.
"I am truly proud of these officers," Dr. Carmona said. "When any of our
men and women in uniform show their dedication and compassion to our neighbors
throughout the world, they become the embodiment of the best of the American
spirit."
The PHS officers deployed to Indonesia have a wide variety of expertise
and responsibilities. They provide health and medical services that include
vaccinating children and adults against contagious diseases, providing primary
care services (such as diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries),
environmental services (such as making water suitable for drinking), and
assisting with mental health care.
Dr. Carmona also announced today that one PHS officer will share his
experiences serving the people of Indonesia in a journal available online at
the Surgeon General's Web site: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov. Lieutenant
Commander Thomas Pryor, a nurse with the Indian Health Service in Phoenix,
Ariz., will open his journal to share his thoughts and efforts as he helps the
people of Indonesia.
The PHS Commissioned Corps is one of the seven uniformed services of the
United States. In thanking the PHS Officers, Dr. Carmona said that the
commitment of PHS officers across the country and around the world reflects
the new PHS mission statement: "Protecting, promoting, and advancing the
health and safety of the nation." This mission is achieved through rapid and
effective response to public health needs, leadership and excellence in public
health practices, and the advancement of public health science.
"In this new era of modern travel, it doesn't take long for a local
disease or infection to spread to neighboring communities and nations, so it's
critical that public health be practiced around the globe," Dr. Carmona said.
"We can more effectively defend our borders against emerging diseases by
treating them on the front lines, wherever they may be. And in doing so, we
can save and improve the lives of people not just at home, but also abroad."
The PHS Commissioned Corps is led by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, with operational leadership coming from the Office of the U.S.
Surgeon General. The Corps is comprised of nearly 6,000 officers in a number
of public health areas. For more information on the United States Public
Health Service Commissioned Corps please visit http://www.surgeongeneral.gov.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Related links:
http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov
CONTACT:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Press Office, +1-202-690-6343
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