Passing of Former Surgeon General Julius Richmond

On Sunday, July 27th, our Nation witnessed the passing of a warrior in the fight against disease. The 12th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Julius Richmond, diagnosed with cancer, died at the age of 91. His obituary is found today in the Washington Post.

On Wednesday, July 23rd, Lance and our four previous Surgeons General of the United States, Drs. Novello, Elders, Satcher, and Carmona, stood before an audience at the National Press Club to announce the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship as a strategic plan for the war on cancer and a prelude to the LIVESTRONG Summit. This National Call to Action was the first of its kind to be developed by a collection of previous Surgeons General and stands as a testimony to their dedication to address national health issues.

While Dr. Richmond’s health prevented him from active engagement in the development of the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, he nevertheless stands as a symbol for health and survivorship. He was a leader in the fight against the dangers of smoking and promoted the need for prevention as a key to good health.

In Surgeon General Carmona’s opening keynote address at the LIVESTRONG Summit, he discussed the cancer continuum addressing many areas from prevention and early detection to survivorship. But he also stressed the need to ensure that palliative care and being able to pass with dignity and in the presence of loved ones are included in the cancer continuum. While it is unfortunate that his colleague, friend, and mentor, Surgeon General Richmond, would pass only three days later, we are reminded that his passing in his home and in the presence of loved ones is the standard of care that the Nation should strive to achieve for all Americans. The Foundation, along with the rest of the Nation, mourns the passing of one of our health leaders and one of the Doctors of the United States.