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1993.05.07 :  Harmon Resignation

Contact:  Public Health Service
Friday, May 7, 1993                     Charlotte Mehuron
                                             (301) 443-3376

       Robert G. Harmon, M.D., today announced his resignation as
administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration. 
His last working day will be May 21.
       HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala said, "Dr. Harmon has sought
to strengthen primary care and public health over the past three
years.  He oversaw an expansion of HRSA's community and migrant
health center program and a revitalization of the National Health
Service Corps.  The NHSC has increased its recruitment and
placement of primary care providers, including physicians, nurse
practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants, in shortage
areas." 
       Prior to Dr. Harmon's appointment as HRSA administrator in
February l990, he was director of the Missouri Department of
Health.  He began his career promoting primary care and public
health as director of public health for Maricopa County, Arizona.
       As HRSA administrator, Dr. Harmon chaired the Interagency
Committee on Infant Mortality and established the Maternal and
Child Health Bureau in 1990.  In 1991, he launched the national
Healthy Start initiative designed to develop community-based
programs to lower infant mortality.
       Since 1991, HRSA has awarded more than $700 million in Ryan
White CARE funds to cities and states to provide medical and
support services to AIDS patients and their families.

       The National Practitioner Data Bank, opened by Dr. Harmon in
1990, enables hospitals and medical credentialing activities
nationwide to track incompetent or unethical health care
practitioners.
       Dr. Harmon also oversaw HRSA's Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, the first national tort reform experiment, which provides
compensation for injuries and protection for the nation's vaccine
supply.
       William A. Robinson, M.D., HRSA's chief medical officer,
will assume the duties of acting administrator.  The U.S. Public
Health Service has begun a nationwide search for Dr. Harmon's
successor.
       HRSA is one of eight PHS agencies within HHS.

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