The Surgeon General’s Priorities
As the Nation’s Doctor, the U.S. Surgeon General is focused on improving the country’s health. The Surgeon General communicates the best available scientific information to the public, using the position’s platform to reach individuals where they live, work, and play and by issuing scientific documents - Surgeon General’s Reports, Calls to Action, and Advisories – on critical public health issues.
The Office of the Surgeon General also has its own peer-reviewed journal. Published since 1878, Public Health Reports issues original research and commentaries in the areas of tobacco control, health disparities, and critical and emerging public health issues.
As a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Surgeon General leads a uniformed service of more than 6,000 highly qualified public health officers, who are committed to protecting, promoting and advancing the health of our country and our world. Officers serve throughout the nation, including in communities most in need, by providing essential public health, health care and other services.
The opioid epidemic and substance use disorders more broadly have become one of the most common chronic illnesses in the U.S.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and worldwide.
America's prosperity is being hampered by preventable chronic diseases and behavioral health issues.
Wellness is at the heart of the safety and security of our nation.
Oral Health is essential to the general health and well-being of all Americans and can be achieved by all.
As the Nation's Doctor, the Surgeon General is responsible for communicating the best available science to the American people.
