Skip to main content

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1982 - 1985

 Series
Series III: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1982 - 1985

Dates

  • Creation: 1982 - 1985

Scope and Contents

Materials include briefings for meetings and events, budget proposals, correspondence, memos, photographs, press releases, speeches and Congressional testimonies, subject files, and travel files. Margaret Heckler focused on a number of health issues during her tenure, including AIDS, developmental and physical disabilities, homelessness, organ transplants, and enforcement of child support payments. Materials on these topics are found in the subject files and task forces and initiatives files. Republican Party materials document Heckler's role as a surrogate for the 1984 Reagan-Bush presidential campaign. Public relations materials provide a detailed look at her schedule through event files and appointment books. Also of interest are the files on Cabinet-level meetings and the President's budget for fiscal years 1984-1986, which give a glimpse into the administration of President Ronald Reagan.

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

In English.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research. Fundraising materials that name donors and donation amounts are closed, as are political patronage files that include resumes and letters of recommendation. Most audio and video recordings are not available for playback due to format impermanence and can not be reformatted by Burns Library at this time. Please let Burns Library Public Services know of your specific interest; when it becomes possible we will schedule reformatting. Some audio and video recordings have been digitally copied; all original media was retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.

The majority of the collection is stored offsite; advance notice is required for retrieval.

Historical Note

Margaret Heckler served as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services from March of 1983 to December of 1985 when she was sworn in as Ambassador to Ireland. As Secretary she was responsible for overseeing numerous federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the National Institutes of Health, among others. Two major initiatives during Heckler’s tenure were the National Initiative on Technology and the Disabled and the Task Force on Black and Minority Health. The latter resulted in a consequential report on the health status of racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S., known as the Heckler Report.

Extent

51.75 Linear Feet (52 containers)

Repository Details

Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository

Contact:
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861