Honoree: Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA - U.S. Surgeon General

“The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.” - U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. As the Nation's Doctor, the Surgeon General's mission is to help lay the foundation for a healthier country, relying on the best scientific information available to provide clear, consistent, and equitable guidance and resources for the public. And as the Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy commands a uniformed service of over 6,000 dedicated public health officers, serving the most underserved and vulnerable populations domestically and abroad.

While serving as 21st Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy is focused on drawing attention to and working across government to address critical public health issues with a focus the ongoing youth mental health crisis, social isolation and loneliness. In December 2021, Dr. Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory as a national call to action to safeguard and enhance youth mental health across the country.

In June 2021, Friends of the Children was one of 30 entities applauded by the U.S. Surgeon General for our pledge to address the country’s youth mental health crisis. Dr. Murthy recognizes Friends of the Children for our ongoing efforts to expand the training and clinical support for paid, professional mentors. We are proud to be a part of national efforts to enhance, support, and protect the mental health of young people across the country.

“You have shown communities in every corner of the country the extraordinary power of putting children first, building relationships based in genuine love, and aiming for equitable empowerment.” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy discussing the 30th anniversary of Friends of the Children.

Friends of the Children is grateful and honored to have Dr. Murthy as an incredible partner and leader in advocating for youth mental health supports and keeping children safe, healthy, and well-rounded on their journey to adulthood.

Listen to the U.S. Surgeon General’s powerful remarks about Friends of the Children he shared for our 30th Anniversary Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C.