As a physician, former clinical microbiologist and Army medic I am extremely proud of the way the US Public Health Services Commissioned Corps has mobilized efforts to contain Covid-19 in communities across the United States. They deserve every recognition.
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps are involved in the promotion of our nation's and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. They respond to public health crises and national emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or terrorist attacks, both here and overseas. Their efforts have included responsive efforts to the Ebola virus in West Africa, Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Most notably their involvement with federal and local governments in the control and containment of COVID-19.
The history of the Corps begins with the creation of the Marine Hospital Fund in 1798
to protect against the spread of disease from sailors returning from foreign ports. The role of the Corp soon expanded to include health initiatives that protected the commerce and health of America. One such role was quarantine.
Physicians, dentists, engineers, pharmacists, nurses, environmental health specialists, scientists, and other health professionals all work together in this unique service role to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation.