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Dr. Julius B. Richmond
1923-2008
Dr. Julius B. Richmond, a pediatrician by training, was one of seven to ever receive the John Stearns Award for Lifetime Achievement in Medicine presented by NYAM honoring distinguished careers in medicine and health. His contributions have had a significant impact on health policy affecting anti-smoking, gay rights, and poverty.
In the 1950s he served as chair of the pediatrics department at Upstate Medical University where he and Dr. Betty Caldwell conducted a successful pilot study that later became known as Project Head Start. Dr. Richmond was the first director of the program which today stands as one of the only successful federal programs in place that supports the development of pre-school children living below the poverty line.
From 1977-1981 Dr. Richmond served as Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General in the Department of Health and Human Services. In 1979 he released the first ever Surgeon General's Report on Health and Disease Prevention highlighting health objectives, and shortly thereafter he released a report stating there was strong evidence linking tobacco use and lung cancer. Also under his watch, the Department of Health and Human Services would discontinue to regard homosexuality as a mental illness. It ceased to perform psychological examinations mandated by a 1952 Immigrations and Naturalization Service law barring homosexuals from entering the country.
His unique sensibility allowed for boldness and an unwavering conviction for what constitutes general well being. He will be missed.
Posted on 08/06/2008
Contact:
Malini Doddamani
Director of Communications
mdoddamani@nyam.org
212.822.7285