H. Jack Geiger

H Jack Geiger UCI

H. Jack Geiger (November 11, 1925 – December 28, 2020) was an American physician and civil rights activist, best known for his pioneering work in the field of social medicine and the establishment of community health centers in the United States. He was a founding member of the Medical Committee for Human Rights and played a significant role in the development of the community health center model, which aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations.

Early Life and Education

Herman Jack Geiger was born in New York City, New York. He attended City College of New York before enrolling in the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied under the influential sociologist Hans Gerth. Geiger later transferred to the University of Chicago, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He went on to study medicine at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, graduating in 1958.

Career

Geiger's career was marked by his commitment to addressing the social determinants of health. He was deeply influenced by his experiences in South Africa, where he worked with Dr. Sidney Kark and the Pholela Health Center, a model of community-oriented primary care.

Medical Committee for Human Rights

In the 1960s, Geiger co-founded the Medical Committee for Human Rights (MCHR), which provided medical care and support to civil rights workers in the Southern United States. The MCHR played a crucial role during the Civil Rights Movement, offering medical assistance during events such as the Selma to Montgomery marches.

Community Health Centers

Geiger is perhaps best known for his work in establishing community health centers in the United States. In 1965, he co-founded the first two community health centers in Mound Bayou, Mississippi and Boston, Massachusetts. These centers were based on the principles of community-oriented primary care, integrating medical care with social services to address the broader social and economic factors affecting health.

Legacy

Geiger's work had a lasting impact on the field of public health and the delivery of healthcare services in the United States. The community health center model he helped to develop has been widely adopted and continues to serve millions of Americans, particularly in underserved areas.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Geiger received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine and social justice, including the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and the Ridenhour Courage Prize.

Death

H. Jack Geiger passed away on December 28, 2020, at the age of 95.

See Also

• Social determinants of health
• Community health center
• Medical Committee for Human Rights
• Civil Rights Movement