July 9, 1999
Contact:
CDC, Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

CDC Dedicates Campus to Edward R. Roybal

CDC Director Jeffrey P. Koplan to speak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will honor former congressman Edward R. Roybal by dedicating its main campus to him and by presenting him with the Champion of Prevention Award, CDC's most prestigious award. Dignitaries attending the ceremony include former Congressman Roybal, CDC director Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, DeKalb County CEO Liane Levetan, and 14 members of the Roybal family, including Mr. Roybal's daughter Lucille Roybal-Allard, congresswoman from Los Angeles and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus founded by her father. The event will take place 10 a.m. to noon July 12, 1999 at the Edward R. Roybal Campus at 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta.

"All his life, no matter where or at what level he sat, Edward R. Roybal has made the public's health his personal and professional priority," said CDC director Jeffrey P. Koplan. "His leadership has prevented the illness and death of many Americans. Together, Edward R. Roybal and CDC are building for America's public health future."

During his tenure in Congress (1963-1992), Congressman Roybal served as an outstanding public health leader, responsible for securing funding for every new CDC building in the last decade, including the new infectious disease laboratory currently under construction. Today, CDC is implementing a 10-year Master Plan which will replace decayed laboratories and build new facilities, bringing all employees from 23 locations in Atlanta onto CDC's two campuses: the Edward R. Roybal campus on Clifton Road and the Chamblee campus on Buford Highway. Mr. Roybal's own career began as a public health educator with the California Tuberculosis Association and later as Director of Health Education for the Los Angeles County TB and Health Association. As a member of Congress, Mr. Roybal not only secured funding for needed laboratories and facilities but also for research, including CDC's first funding for AIDS research and programs in 1982.

CDC's prestigious Champion of Prevention Award is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to public health. Past recipients include: Rotary International for its worldwide efforts to eradicate polio, Dr. Phil Lee, Ann Landers, M.. Alfred Haynes and Senator Sam Nunn.

CDC actively protects the nation's health and safety, enhances health decisions through credible information and promotes good health through strong partnerships. CDC's research and programs address infectious disease, chronic disease, environmental health, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, injuries, and immunizations.

Note to media: Please arrive early and check in at the CDC, Visitors Center. You will need to register and receive a press badge. The press room is in Building 2, Classroom 1, below the auditorium where the event will be held. Mr. Roybal and Dr. Koplan will be available for media interviews following the event. For more information, a press kit and a complete list of dignitaries, call the CDC, Division of Media Relations.

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