Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop dies at 96

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Former surgeon general C.

Everett -- has died.

He was perhaps the nation's highest profile top doctor.

And well known in the eighties for drawing attention to public health crises including aids and smoking.

Steve Centanni has the story she's.

-- C Everett -- made history as an outspoken straight talking fighter for public health.

His landmark 1988 report labeled smoking as an addiction which began to shift the tide of public opinion against tobacco.

Who've served seven years under president Ronald Reagan and George H.

W.

Bush.

At a time of fear and misunderstanding about aids he always fought to set the record straight.

Not enough people know that there has not yet been.

A single confirmed case in which there -- been transmission of aids from a physician or nurse.

Or -- hospital employee to a patient.

-- shocked many conservatives by advocating condom use and safe sex to fight aids.

But he was also a religious man who never wavered in his opposition to abortion.

The National Right to Life Committee said today quote doctor -- provided a voice to the voiceless.

And congressman Henry Waxman said in his statement that -- saved countless lives through his leadership.

In confronting the aids crisis and standing up to powerful special interest like the tobacco companies.

C.

Everett Koop was 96 years old -- Steve Centanni and Capitol Hill tonight.

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