News Release

Statement from Secretary Sebelius on the Passing of Dr. David J. Sencer

I was saddened to hear of the death of former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, Dr. David J. Sencer.  With his passing, the country has lost a public health pioneer and one of the most accomplished public health advocates in our nation’s history.  As the longest serving director of the CDC (1966-1977), we will remember Dr. Sencer for creating CDC programs in malaria, tobacco education, and the surveillance of non-infectious diseases, and, perhaps most significantly, for his extraordinary contributions to the eradication of smallpox and the founding of the School of Public Health at Emory University.  Up to his death at age 86, Dr. Sencer remained a tireless promoter of public health, continuing his work chronicling global disease eradication. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Sencer’s wife Jane and three children: Susan, Ann, and Steve.  Although we will greatly miss his wisdom and friendship, we know that Dr. Sencer’s legacy will live on and continue to improve the lives of people both in this country, and around the world.

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Last revised: May 12, 2011