The Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal honors PHSCC members who execute an individual feat that makes a substantial contribution toward improving the nation’s health.
The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) is the United States Public Health Service’s federal uniformed branch of service and falls under the aegis of the Department of Health and Human Services, led by the Surgeon General. The PHSCC traces its roots back to the establishment of the Marine Hospital Fund in 1798, which provided for the care of merchant sailors. Currently, the PHSCC is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The PHSCC grants certain awards to its members to acknowledge meritorious service or accomplishments.
The medal features the PHSCC emblem encircled by an inscription reading “PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The ribbon is maroon and is bisected by a vertical light blue stripe; it also features a thin vertical white stripe and a thin vertical dark blue stripe on each edge proceeding outward.