Jerome Adams

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President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force Brief the Press (49645645448)

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Jerome Adams is an American anesthesiologist and a public health administrator who served as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States from September 5, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Adams was a key figure in the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for preventive measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination. Prior to his role as Surgeon General, he served as the Indiana State Health Commissioner from 2014 to 2017.

Early Life and Education

Jerome Adams was born in Maryland and grew up in the rural town of Mechanicsville in the same state. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he earned a degree in biochemistry. Following this, Adams received his Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at Indiana University.

Career

Indiana State Health Commissioner

Before becoming Surgeon General, Adams was appointed as the Indiana State Health Commissioner by then-Governor Mike Pence. During his tenure, he dealt with several public health crises, including an HIV outbreak in Scott County, Indiana, which was linked to intravenous drug use. Adams advocated for a needle exchange program as part of the response, a measure that was initially met with resistance but later recognized for its effectiveness in controlling the outbreak.

Surgeon General of the United States

As Surgeon General, Adams focused on issues such as the opioid crisis, tobacco smoking cessation, and mental health. He was known for his efforts to address the opioid epidemic through education and naloxone distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams was a visible figure in the Trump administration's public health communications, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and protection measures to slow the virus's spread.

Public Health Advocacy

Throughout his career, Adams has been an advocate for public health, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and the social determinants of health. He has called for a holistic approach to health care, one that includes addressing housing, education, and employment as key factors in improving health outcomes.

Post-Surgeon General Career

After his tenure as Surgeon General ended in January 2021, Adams returned to Indiana, where he continues to be involved in public health advocacy and policy. He has also joined the faculty at the Indiana University School of Public Health.

Personal Life

Adams is married and has three children. He has been open about his brother's struggles with substance abuse, a personal experience that has informed his public health work, particularly in the area of addiction and recovery.

See Also

• Public Health
• COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
• Opioid epidemic in the United States