The Hildrus A. Poindexter Award was established by the Black Commissioned Officers Advisory Group (BCOAG) in 1990 to recognize a Public Health Service PHS Commissioned Corps officer or civil service employee for outstanding service contributing to enhancing the health of communities within the U.S. and/or abroad.

CAPT Hildrus A. Poindexter, M.D., Ph.D., M.S.P.H., Sc.D. (1901-1987), the son of a former slave, was born into poverty but went on to become an eminent physician, scientist, academician, and exemplary PHS Commissioned Corps Officer. CAPT Poindexter was a specialist in epidemiology, tropical disease, and preventive medicine. He served 30 years in the PHS and was assigned to West and North Africa, Indochina, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Liberia and Iraq.  CAPT Poindexter was a remarkable example of the best in the Commissioned Corps and an inspiration not only to Black officers, but to all public servants. 

PHS officers and civil service employees with a minimum of seven (7) years of service are eligible for this award. A combinations of service will not be accepted. 

Past Award Recipients