Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

This page is a historical archive and is no longer maintained.

For current information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/media/

Media Statement

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2013
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Statement from CDC Director Tom Frieden on the passing of Terrie Hall, former Tips From Former Smokers ad participant

I am deeply saddened to hear that Terrie Hall has passed away after a courageous fight against cancer caused by the cigarette smoking she started in high school.  Terrie wanted to save people from having to go through the sickness and surgeries she endured.  She is an inspiration.

Her story, now known to millions, motivated tens of thousands of smokers to quit.  In sharing her story, she saved thousands of people from tobacco-related illness, disability, and death.  I am reminded of the words of a former CDC Director, Dr. Bill Foege, who said that public health is at its best when we see, and help others see, the faces and the lives behind the numbers.

I believe that for me and for literally millions of other Americans, Terrie put a face to the 440,000 people killed by smoking each year in the US.  Terrie is one of the more than 1,200 Americans who were killed by smoking in the past 24 hours.  Because of her courage, we both know more about the lives of these numbers – and because of her impact, there will be fewer such deaths in the future.

I feel privileged to have gotten to know Terrie personally as a friend, and I – along with everyone else whose life she touched – will miss her greatly.  I offer my condolences to Terrie’s family, friends, and all who knew and cared about her.

Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

###
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Terrie’s Videos: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/videos/terrie-videos.html

 
CDC 24/7 – Saving Lives. Protecting People. Saving Money Through Prevention. Learn More About How CDC Works For You…
Contact Us:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    1600 Clifton Rd
    Atlanta, GA 30333
  • 800-CDC-INFO
    (800-232-4636)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348
  • Contact CDC-INFO
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO
A-Z Index
  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. #