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Outbreak: Plagues that changed HistorySeptember 27 – January 30, 2009
Organized by the Global Health Odyssey Museum; come see Byrn Barnard’s images of the symptoms and paths of the world’s deadliest diseases – and how the epidemics they spawned have changed history forever.
Hi, I′m Donna Garland, Chief of Enterprise Communication for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I would like to share with you today about Hygeia, and what significance she holds for the work of CDC.
In Greek mythology, Hygeia was the Goddess of Health, and was associated with the prevention of sickness and the promotion of good health. In fact, the word hygiene, which is the science of protecting health, is derived from her name.
In 1969, John Skandalakis, a surgeon and native of Greece, commissioned a sculpture of Hygeia in recognition of CDC′s efforts to carry the torch of health promotion to the world. This remarkable gift was sculpted in Athens and was officially presented to CDC on December 17, 1970.
Today, Hygeia overlooks our main campus, and serves as a symbol and constant reminder of CDC′s work to promote health by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
I hope you′ll enjoy our State of CDC site, where you’ll find a wealth of information about CDC′s ongoing efforts to achieve “Healthiest Nation” status.
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