Series 4: Correspondence, 1980-1996

The correspondence in this series primarily dates from Koop's tenure as Surgeon General, although there are a few folders covering subsequent years. The series is divided into the following sub-series: Chronological, Fan Mail, and Hate Mail. Koop and his staff analyzed every health related letter that came to the Surgeon General's office as well as those addressed to President Reagan. Koop's communications with these constituents reflects a personal... concern and compassion that gave him a reputation for being America's family doctor. He was not without critics, as is represented in the Hate Mail sub-series. Koop or his office staff would pencil the word Nut over much of his hate mail, reflecting his no nonsense and sometimes humorous approach to letters of that sort. The correspondence in each sub-series is arranged chronologically by month.