Yesterday the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) mourned the passing of C. Everett Koop, the thirteenth Surgeon General of the United States.
While serving the administration of President Ronald Reagan, Dr. Koop blew the whistle on the early spread of HIV/AIDS at a time when few others were devoting attention to the growing epidemic.
In response to Koop’s passing, HRC President Chad Griffin released the following statement:
“As HIV/AIDS was growing into a public health crisis, Dr. Koop was a lone voice for aggressive, comprehensive intervention to curb the disease. Motivated by ‘scientific integrity and Christian compassion,’ Koop was a hero at a moment when a hero was desperately needed. All Americans should be grateful for Dr. Koop’s service to our country, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
