Black Commissioned Officers Advisory Group

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Welcome

Welcome to and thank you for visiting the official website for the Black Commissioned Officers Advisory Group (BCOAG). Whether you are here to learn more about this advisory group, get involved, or need to contact BCOAG leadership, please take the time to explore our various pages and links!

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Our Mission

The Black Commissioned Officers Advisory Group (BCOAG) provides advice and consultation to the Surgeon General (SG) on issues of interest and concerns of Black officers in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and on issues relating to the professional practice and personnel activities of civil service (CS) and other Commissioned Corps (CC) personnel. BCOAG supports the Office of the Surgeon General’s initiatives and establishes and supports programs to serve minority and local communities to assist in reducing health disparities.

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the 2023 BCOAG Operational Year!

Over the past few years, we have faced many challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, various ongoing deployment missions, policy changes that affect our careers, and quite frankly being burned out as many officers have expressed. In true BCOAG fashion, I am confident in our ability to strategize together to find solutions and look forward to working with each of you, and USPHS leadership as stated in Our Mission to ensure our concerns are heard.

I encourage all BCOAG officers to not only join our General Body Meetings, but to get involved within our various committees. Whether you are a new officer, or experienced officer looking to re-engage, there are plenty of opportunities for you! Please join our monthly General Body meetings held on the second Thursday of each month from 1100-1230 EST where you can voice your questions & concerns, hear about what our outstanding committees are doing, and find out how to get active based on your personal and professional goals.

I’m indebted to all past BCOAG Chairs, previous voting members, and our retirees for their dedication over the past 30+ years and hope you all continue to support BCOAG. Standing ready to serve you this year is our outstanding Senior Advisor in CAPT Terry Harrison who always gives pearls of wisdom, a strong Chair-elect in LCDR Jerome Anderson, an enthusiastic Executive Committee, and an esteemed group of Committee Chairs who are very passionate about BCOAG.

If you ever need to reach me directly to discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do so at Steven.Rush@hhs.gov.