Anton Gunn- An Advocate for Teen Pregnancy Prevention
We want to congratulate Representative Anton Gunn on his appointment to regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the State report, “Gunn, elected in 2008, will oversee the federal agency’s operations in eight Southeastern states including South Carolina. He is a former USC football player and a key adviser to then candidate Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.”
Gunn sent an email to his constituents on Friday evening explaining his decision.
“I have been faced with a very honorable yet tough decision. Recently, The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius has asked me to accept a presidential appointment to serve as the Regional Director of the United States Department of Health & Human Services in the South (Region IV). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. It plays an important role in our nation. Whether helping children, seniors and the disabled, or protecting our public health, this agency plays a critical role in our nation’s security.
I am humbled by the consideration to accept this senior position. It is not every day that a person is given an opportunity to either serve their country broadly or to continue the pursuit of re-election for House District 79. This decision weighed upon me heavily as I consider it a privilege to be of service in any capacity to the people of this state. After much prayer and deliberation with my family, I believe I can benefit the people of my district and South Carolina by answering the call to serve as the Region IV Director in the US Department of Health and Human Services in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Representative Gunn, we thank you for your service, your support, and know that you will continue the work of decreasing teen pregnancy rates throughout the south.
