November 9, 2001

Henderson Named Head of Office of Public Health Preparedness

Donald A. Henderson, M.D., Nov. 1 was named director of the newly formed Office of Public Health Preparedness within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The new office will serve to coordinate the national response to public health emergencies. For the past four years, Dr. Henderson has directed the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies. Widely known for his role as director of the World Health Organization's global smallpox eradication program, Dr. Henderson has also served as Associate Director in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Science Advisor at HHS. Earlier this year, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson tapped Dr. Henderson to be chairman of the National Advisory Council on Public Health Preparedness, a position he will continue to hold.