News Release

STATEMENT BY MIKE LEAVITT
Secretary of Health and Human Services
On the Appointment of RADM Craig Vanderwagen, M.D.
As Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness

I am pleased by Admiral Vanderwagen�s appointment as Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness. His leadership, experience and commitment to helping people in need has served this country well, especially in the field during public health and medical responses to Hurricane Mitch, the tsunami in Indonesia and Hurricane Katrina. As a US Public Health Service officer, he has also distinguished himself through his service as acting chief medical officer, director of the division of clinical and preventive services and medical doctor in the Indian Health Service. Admiral Vanderwagen is a great asset in our efforts to increase this nation�s preparedness for any emergency.

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Last revised: July 27, 2006