vivek murthy

Participants hold signs during March for Our Lives 2022 on June 11, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Gun violence is getting worse. Can a shift in perspective be the solution?

5:38pm June 27, 2024

The surgeon general's office has declared gun violence a national public health crisis.

It's the first time the body has ever issued a public health advisory about firearms, and for Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, it's a step in reframing the conversation about death by gunfire.

According to the CDC, more than 48,000 Americans were killed by gun violence in 2021, and over half of those deaths were by suicide.

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The number of people living alone in the U.S. went from nearly 5 million to about 38 million in a decade. A new study shows those who live alone report depression more than those who live with others.

Americans who live alone report depression at higher rates, but social support helps

5:01pm February 15, 2024

by Rhitu Chatterjee

The number of people living alone in the U.S. jumped to nearly 38 million. A new study shows people who live alone are more likely to report depression if they didn't have other social supports.

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U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has helped the U.S. through other crises like the Zika outbreak, is now taking on health misinformation around COVID-19, which he says continues to jeopardize the country's efforts to beat back the virus.

Health & Safety

The U.S. Surgeon General Is Calling COVID-19 Misinformation An 'Urgent Threat'

11:33am July 15, 2021

by Geoff Brumfiel

The nation's top doctor, Vivek Murthy, says misinformation will keep sowing mistrust and endangering lives unless all Americans do their part to fight it.

Vivek Murthy testifies at his Senate confirmation hearing to be surgeon general on Feb. 25. Murthy tells NPR there's more work to do in convincing people, especially in rural communities, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Local 'Trusted Messengers' Key To Boosting COVID Vaccinations, Surgeon General Says

10:39am May 05, 2021

by Noel King

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says that while confidence in COVID-19 vaccines has risen, there's more work to do in convincing people, especially in rural communities, to get the shots.

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Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, by Dr. Vivek Murthy

In 'Together,' Former Surgeon General Writes About Importance Of Human Connection

4:47pm May 11, 2020

by Rachel Martin

Dr. Vivek Murthy tells NPR: "The reality is that loneliness is a natural signal that our body gives us, similar to hunger, thirst. And that's how important human connection is."

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More than a year after he was nominated, Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed as the next surgeon general Monday. Back in February, Murthy testified about his nomination before a Senate panel.

The U.S. Has A Surgeon General, For The First Time In 17 Months

7:14pm December 15, 2014

by Bill Chappell

A job that's been open in President Obama's administration since July of 2013 was finally filled Monday, as the Senate voted to confirm Vivek Murthy as America's new surgeon general.

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