TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott met with Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong and leading Florida health care organizations supporting the Surgeon General’s track record of success in Florida. The meeting included the Cancer Action Network, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Florida Medical Association, the Florida Public Health Association, Nemours Children’s Health System and the Council of Medical School Deans. All of the groups support his full confirmation.
Governor Scott said, “Dr. John Armstrong is a fighter. Not only is he currently fighting against colon cancer, but he has continued to fight for the well-being of everyone in our state – whether it is against epidemics like Ebola and Zika, or illnesses like cancer or AIDS that are still affecting far too many in our state.
“Beyond being a great leader at the Florida Department of Health and ensuring our state is prepared to face any health emergency, he is a world-class trauma surgeon who has saved countless lives and helped so many people at their most vulnerable time. Dr. Armstrong also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for 17 years where he helped many of our wounded warriors get the care they need, including leading a program in trauma care for military medical units deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. As a father, he cares deeply about making our state the best place for families to live their dreams and he is clearly the best person to lead Florida’s Department of Health.”
Statements on Dr. Armstrong from Florida Health Care Leaders
Dr. Daniel Armstrong, Chair of the Biomedical Research Advisory Council said, “Since Dr. Armstrong took office, we have seen an unprecedented investment and focus on cancer research, treatment and care in Florida. This commitment to alleviating the burden of cancer is supportive not only to people in our state but throughout the world. I’m proud to work with such an esteemed colleague, and I hope the Department of Health will continue on under his leadership.”
Steve Bahmer, President and CEO of LeadingAge Florida said, “On behalf of LeadingAge Florida and our 250 members, I write to express strong support for Surgeon General John Armstrong as Secretary for the Florida Department of Health.”
Dr. David J. Bailey, CEO of Nemours Children’s Health System said, “Dr. Armstrong’s responsiveness when Nemours has sought his input regarding issues under his purview are indicative of a man of great integrity, serving with a passion to improve the health of all of our citizens. His vision and leadership for improving the health of all Floridians and his message promoting strong health behaviors and prevention leads the way to improve the quality of life for our citizens are right on the mark.”
Andrew Behrman, President & CEO of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers said, “Dr. Armstrong and his staff at DOH are moving these efforts in the right direction, we believe. His stellar background and career clearly show that he is certainly qualified to hold the position of Surgeon General. More so, his actions to move FDOH into a stronger public health focused agency are critical for Florida.”
Theresa Bulger, an advocate for children said “Dr. John Armstrong has accepted and embraced the enormous responsibility of leading the Florida Department of Health. Dr. Armstrong’s commitment to our children and passion for overall health are qualities that this state needs in a Surgeon General.”
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida said, “Dr. Armstrong has been instrumental in moving all aspects of health forward in Florida. The nature of health is complex, and creating good health outcomes is often elusive work that requires an extreme amount of diligence. Dr. Armstrong is a proven leader, one that we are fortunate to have leading our great state in the endeavor that is public health, and Mayo Clinic in Florida is happy to support him as he works toward reappointment.”
Dr. Thomas George, Chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council said, “Dr. Armstrong has been a tremendous advocate for reducing the burden of cancer for citizens of Florida. He has guided extensive improvements in collaboration and research progress in our state. We’re making meaningful progress in Florida, and I fully support Dr. Armstrong in his efforts to achieve the best health outcomes for our residents and visitors both now and in the future.”
Shannon Hughes, President of the Florida Public Health Association said, “Dr. John Armstrong has proven to be a true leader and advocate for improving the health of everyone in the state. As the Secretary of the Florida Department of Health his strong leadership has already led to a change in lifestyle throughout the state and I believe he will continue working to shape the future of our youngest citizens by emphasizing healthy choices.”
David Lawrence Jr., Chair of the Children’s Movement of Florida said, “I have worked closely with Dr. Armstrong on the Governor’s Children and Youth Cabinet. I find him straightforward and caring – a good example of a first-rate public servant.”
Sandra Magyar, MEd, Executive Director of the Florida Public Health Association said, “FPHA has worked with Dr. Armstrong since his original appointment and believe he has been a strong leader for public health. He has not only supported the important and critical public health programs of the Department and County Health Departments, but also has identified and encouraged creative ways to work with community partners to reach out to the citizens of this state.”
Dr. Jaime Membreno, FACS, President of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons said, “Dr. Armstrong is admired by both the State and National American College of Surgeons for his leadership and commitment to excellence in medicine. Moreover anyone that has worked with Dr. Armstrong knows that he is extremely respected for his solid decision making and tenacity toward getting work accomplished.”
H. Lee Moffitt, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives said, “Over the past three years, Dr. Armstrong has supported increased funding for the Moffitt Cancer Center which is the only Florida-based National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center and the 3rd largest NCI CCC in the nation. Since his appointment, Dr. Armstrong has been the most pro-active Surgeon General in the fight against cancer we have experienced. He has participated in numerous oncology meetings and research events at the center during his tenure. His leadership in the fight against cancer is critical because of the high incidence of cancer in Florida — the 2nd highest in the nation. I’m confident he will keep Florida in the forefront of cancer treatment and research nationally. I recommend his confirmation as Florida’s Surgeon General.”
Dr. Robin Perry, Chairperson of the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee said, “Dr. Armstrong has worked passionately to protect and promote the health of all children in the state. As Surgeon General he has demonstrated a passion for making sure all programs and inclusive and promote making healthy choices. I support Dr. Armstrong and his continued good works as Secretary of Health.”
David Poole, Director of Legislative Affairs at AIDS Healthcare Foundation said, “General Armstrong has proven to be a strong proponent of addressing the growing problems Florida faces with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and we believe his continued leadership at the Florida Department of Health is critically important if we hope to slow the growth of these diseases in Florida and eventually eliminate this threat to the health of all Floridians.”
Todd Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Florida State Alliance of YMCA’s said, “As the Surgeon General of Florida Dr. John Armstrong has taken on the great challenge of changing the lifestyle of all Floridian and encouraging healthy choices. We see him as a critical ally in the campaign to develop a healthier community and the Florida Alliance of YMCAs hopes to continue the great partnership we have with Dr. Armstrong.”
Wansley Walters, Chairman of Florida Children and Youth Cabinet and former Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justce, said “Dr. Armstrong is a tireless worker who has a clear and defined vision for the future. That future starts with our youngest citizens. Dr. Armstrong’s focus on health issues that face the children of Florida will help them grow up to be healthy and productive adults. I’m excited to continue working with Dr. Armstrong as the Secretary of Health.”
Stephen Winn, Executive Director of Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, said “Dr. Armstrong’s background and commitment to quality health care to the citizens of Florida and to the many programs the Department of Health are involved in, makes him an individual with the passion, knowledge, commitment and unquestionable credentials to continue to handle the position of Surgeon General of Florida.”
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