Society Applauds Appointment of Koplan as CDC Director

American Cancer Society
Friday, 10 July 1998

Washington 1998/07/10 -"On behalf of the more than 2 million volunteers of the American Cancer Society, we applaud the appointment of Jeff Koplan, M.D., to be the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

So said the American Cancer Society in a letter to President Clinton today following an announcement by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala.

"Dr. Koplan has extensive public health experience. He had been a successful director of the Chronic and Environmental Disease Prevention program, or CEDP, with the CDC. As CEDP director, he has been responsible for promoting health and preventing disease and premature death. His extensive work with chronic diseases has led to a substantial reduction in the incidence and mortality of cancer," said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., CEO, American Cancer Society. "Dr. Koplan's leadership has ensured increased funding levels for tobacco control research and breast and colorectal cancer screening and detection."

"His appointment is an important move in keeping consistency and invaluable leadership at the top post of the CDC. Dr. Koplan has proven to be an effective leader and advocate for the public health community, especially those affected with cancer," said Jennie R. Cook, ACS Board Chair.

"The American Cancer Society has enjoyed a productive relationship with Dr. Koplan for a number of years, and we expect this relationship to continue as he moves on to be the next director of the CDC. We fully support this appointment and applaud President Clinton and Secretary Shalala for their excellent selection," David S. Rosenthal, M.D., ACS Board President, added.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org