Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • About HHS
  • Programs & Services
  • Grants & Contracts
  • Laws & Regulations
  • Radical Transparency
  • Big Wins
  • Current Priorities
  • About & History
  • Reports and Publications
  • USPHS Commissioned Corps
Breadcrumb
  1. HHS
  2. Surgeon General Home
  3. About
  4. Mission of the Office of the Surgeon General
  • Mission
  • Leadership
  • Newsroom
  • History
    • Previous Surgeons General
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
    • Surgeon General Invitation Form

Mission of the Office of the Surgeon General

The mission of the U.S. Surgeon General is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation. As the nation’s doctor and a leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Surgeon General achieves this mission by:

  • Communicating the best available scientific information to the public, to reach individuals where they live, work, and play
  • Leveraging government, business, law enforcement, and community resources to address important public health issues such as the opioid and e-cigarette epidemics
  • Raising awareness about health threats to the readiness and resiliency of our military communities
  • Stimulating action nationwide on public health issues by delivering programs on public health promotion and disease prevention
  • Developing strategies for advancing public health science
  • Providing leadership and excellence in public health practices
Content created by Office of the Surgeon General
Content last reviewed May 14, 2019
Back to top

Subscribe to Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary and Press Releases.

Subscribe
  • Contact HHS
  • Careers
  • HHS FAQs
  • Nondiscrimination Notice
  • Press Room
  • HHS Archive
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Budget/Performance
  • Inspector General
  • Web Site Disclaimers
  • EEO/No Fear Act
  • FOIA
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
HHS Logo

HHS Headquarters

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​

Follow HHS

Follow Secretary Kennedy