C. Everett Koop, surgeon general during Reagan era, dies

WASHINGTON — Former surgeon general C. Everett Koop died Monday. He was 96.

Koop, who served as surgeon general from January 1982 to October 1989, was outspoken about the damaging health effects of smoking and also an early advocate of educating Americans about AIDS. In 1988, he released "Understanding AIDS," a U.S. Public Health Service brochure based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which was sent to 107 million households.

"Today, America lost an extraordinary physician, public servant and great American," surgeon general Regina Benjamin said. "I, like many others, lost a mentor and a friend."

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