WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 24, 2021 - The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will hold a confirmation hearing tomorrow for Dr. Vivek Murthy, President Biden’s nominee for Surgeon General. American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following statement:

“The U.S. Surgeon General is the nation’s top official responsible for promoting public health and preventing chronic disease, a role that is even more crucial during an historic pandemic that will have a long-lasting impact on people’s health and our nation’s health care system.

“Dr. Murthy, if confirmed, will bring to the job a deep reservoir of experience as a public health leader and an impressive track record promoting preventive health policies that benefit people and families nationwide.

“Dr. Murthy’s previous tenure as Surgeon General showed that he shares our commitment to equitable health for everyone, everywhere. He will need to continue the work he began in 2016 as the author of the first Surgeon General’s report on the hazards of e-cigarette use among youth and young adults. We also hope he will continue to focus on the health benefits of regular physical activity, as he did with Step It Up!, a call to action to promote walking and walkable communities.

“Having led the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in his previous term as Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy will need to urgently address the gaping holes in the nation’s public health infrastructure that have been vividly exposed by the pandemic. We commit to working with him, the administration and Congress to build a strong health care system that is prepared for unforeseen threats such as the pandemic and protects people and families from preventable diseases and conditions – communicable and noncommunicable.

“We are confident Dr. Murthy would be an ally as we work to improve the health of individuals across our country.”

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For media inquiries please contact:
Suniti Sarah Bal – 916-390-1860; suniti.bal@heart.org