2002.06.24:Statement by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Regarding D.A. Henderson's Awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 24, 2002

Contact:

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding D.A. Henderson's Awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

I am so pleased to recognize Dr. Donald A. Henderson as one of the announced recipients of the administration's Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor for distinguished service.

As the Department of Health and Human Services' principal science advisor for public health preparedness and chairman of the Secretary's Council on Public Health Preparedness, D.A. brings a lifetime of scientific expertise and accomplishment to the department and America at a time when it is most needed.

Throughout his career, D.A. has been a catalyst for change. From 1966 to 1974, he directed the World Health Organization's (WHO) global smallpox eradication campaign. In 1974, he was instrumental in initiating WHO's global program of immunization, which is now vaccinating 80 percent of the world's children against six major diseases.

An exceptional colleague and friend, HHS congratulates Dr. Henderson on this very important achievement.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

STATEMENT BY HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON Regarding D.A. Henderson's Awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding D.A. Henderson's Awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom