Captain Rita Chow, USPHS, (Ret.) Inducted into President John Adams Society

Membership in the President John Adams Society is conferred upon members who make a specific bequest to the Foundation in their estate planning.  Captain Chow’s decision to name the Foundation as a beneficiary of her estate is testimony to her commitment to Public Health and the PHS Commissioned Corps.

The Society was named in honor of President John Adams, who is credited as a founding father of the Public Health Service and the Commissioned Corps by his signing, in 1798, of an Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seaman.  This law established what would eventually become the Marine Hospital Service, then the Public Health Service and Commissioned Corps.

The Foundation Trustees wishes to thank Captain Chow for her generosity and commitment to the PHS Commissioned Corps, as well as her many contributions to the field of Nursing and Public Health.

Make Donations to COF ON-LINE!!!

Donations to the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health (COF) can now be made on-line. Google for Non-Profits provides a streamlined checkout process that allows you to quickly and easily make online donations with a single login. Enhanced data security with this safe online donation tool protects donor's creditcard number and information. Simply click on the Donate - Google Checkout button on the COF Website and complete the required information. Google Checkout lowers the risks associated with managing sensitive data by concealing the donor's credit card number and providing a secure online donation alternative. Contact either Brian McSheffrey or Julia Marsh if you have any questions.

COF has been Approved to Participate in the 2008 CFCNCA!

PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health (COF) has been approved to participate in the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA).

The designation (catalog) number assigned to the Foundation will be issued at a later date and will appear on the COF website and in Frontline when received.  Please keep COF in mind when you support the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign.

April 11, 2008 - PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation and University of Maryland Sign Cooperative Agreement

The PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation and the University of Maryland at College Park, MD have signed a formal Agreement of Cooperation committing each institution to collaborate with the other on improving the health of the public.  An important element of the partnership is in the area of public health education and health promotion.  The agreement extends to cooperation in fields of common interest as well as joint activities established by mutual consent.  The agreement envisions projects undertaken to enhance the exchange of scientific knowledge and programs related to public health.

One such project is already under development between the Foundation and the University's School of Public Health.  The Foundation and the School of Public Health are working with the Chinese Health Education Association in Beijing and its partner, the Qu Li School of Medicine on a research effort to document and improve the role of nurses as health educators in rural communities.

Other areas of potential collaboration are also being reviewed by the Foundation and the University.

The Agreement of Cooperation was signed for the University by its President, C.D. Mote, Jr. and for the Foundation by Executive Director Jerry Farrell.  Farrell commented that this is a "huge step forward" for the Foundation in establishing our credentials in the field of public health education and promotion.

Attention Branches, We Need Your Support!!!!

It is the time of year again. The Commissioned Officers Foundation is asking for increased Branch support for the college scholarships program for dependents of USPHS Commissioned Officers.  Last year, the DC Metro, Atlanta, Evergreen, Bemidji, Rio Grande and Fort Detrick branches, as well as the Public Health Service Club, and the Ronald Lessing Memorial came through with COF scholarship donations.  This year, Officer Basic Course Class 004 has already donated $310 joining the Ronald Lessing Memorial Scholarship towards next year's COF Scholarship Fund.

Here are the details of donating in the form of a COF Scholarship:

• The minimum donation for a scholarship is $250.
• Branches that donate can name the scholarship as they choose.  Most branches simply name the scholarship after their particular branch to gain the much deserved recognition.
• Branches that donate may choose one representative from their branch to serve on the Scholarship Awards Committee.
• Individuals that would like to donate are encouraged as well.  Again, they may name the scholarship as they wish.
• Individuals that donate may serve on the Scholarship Awards Committee.

We are optimistic that Branches will want to participate in the worthwhile program.  If you would like to donate or discuss this option any further, please contact Brian McSheffrey at 301-731-9080 or bmcsheffrey@coausphs.org.

2008 COF Symposium Fee Grant Criteria Available

Junior Officers and Civil Servants can now view the Fee Grant Criteria. Read More (pdf, 11KB)

COF Releases Annual Report and Donors List

COF released its Annual Report and Donors List for 2006-2007.
Annual Report | Donors

COF Establishes the Dr. Jerrold M. Michael Fellowship

As a tribute to Dr. Jerrold M. Michael on his 80th Birthday, The PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health has established a Fellowship program to be named in his honor.  This program will provide financial assistance to officers of the Commissioned Corps pursuing advanced degrees.  Read More (pdf, 12KB)

2005-2006 Annual Report Available

2005-2006 Annual Report. (pdf, 1.48MB)

Celebrate the 90th Birthday of Revered Surgeon General C. Everett Koop – Wear the Surgeon General Koop Tie or Scarf!

COA and the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation are pleased to offer this distinctive neckwear commissioned to commemorate the 90th birthday of former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop later this year.  The design was approved by Dr. Koop himself and celebrates his dedication to his profession and to his country.

The ladies' scarf is 60 inches by 8 inches. Both ties and scarves retail for $40 and are available at the special COA member's price of $32

Order your Koop commemorative tie today and join in the celebration of this great American’s 90th birthday this fall.  Allow eight weeks for delivery, please. Download Form (.doc, 1.5MB)

Philadelphia Concord

The Foundation-sponsored Global Health Summit endorses The Philadelphia Concord Calling for Improved Collaboration among all Global Health stakeholders. Add your signature to The Philadelphia Concord! (pdf, 27KB)