HEALTH · AR · 1987-1992
Joycelyn Elders
State Health Officer · Arkansas
NOTABLE
On the record
Later Clinton U.S. Surgeon General 1993-94; fired over masturbation-education remark
Background
Joycelyn Elders (b. 1933) was Arkansas Health Director 1987-1992 under then-Gov Bill Clinton. Appointed Clinton's U.S. Surgeon General 1993; fired December 9, 1994 after answering at a UN World AIDS Day panel that masturbation "is something that perhaps should be taught" as part of a comprehensive sex-education curriculum. First African-American + 2nd woman to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. Pediatric endocrinologist by training; advocate of sex education + needle-exchange programs.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
Primary sources
Others who held this office in Arkansas
- Sandra Nichols (1992-1996)
- Ben N. Saltzman (1979-1987)
- Robert Hutchison (1972-1977)
- Robert L. Mason (1968-1972)
- T. T. Ross (1948-1968)