David Gergen, a name synonymous with public service and leadership, left an indelible mark on American society. His career spanned decades, advising presidents from both sides of the political spectrum and shaping the minds of future leaders. While his contributions to politics and education are widely recognized, his dedication to health and fitness, particularly within the realm of sleep apnea awareness and treatment for retired NFL players, deserves equal attention. This article explores David Gergen's multifaceted career and his commitment to improving the lives of others, focusing on his work in health advocacy.
A Bridge Across Political Divides
David Gergen's career was characterized by his ability to navigate the often-turbulent waters of American politics. He served as an advisor to four U.S. presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. This bipartisan experience made him a unique figure in Washington, a "rare bridge-builder in a divided political landscape," as noted by May Samali, M.P.P. His ability to work with leaders from different parties stemmed from his commitment to public service and his belief in finding common ground for the betterment of the nation.
Graves Tompkins, M.P.A./M.B.A., a former student and teaching assistant of Gergen's, highlighted his ability to imbue "decency, civility, humanity, and country over party into our politics." This dedication to ethical leadership and his capacity to inspire those around him left a lasting impact on countless individuals, shaping their approach to leadership and public service, as noted by Fatima Sanford, M.P.A.
Seth Moulton, ’01, M.B.A./M.P.P., a U.S. Congressman, attributed his entry into politics to Gergen's influence, stating, "I would not be in Congress without David." Gergen's ability to inspire and mentor young people to serve their country was a testament to his belief in the power of leadership.
Championing Future Leaders
Beyond his work in the political arena, David Gergen dedicated a significant portion of his life to education. He was the founding director of the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he mentored countless students and fellows. The CPL became a renowned institution for cultivating leaders with character, courage, and a commitment to service.
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May Samali recalled Gergen's welcoming nature, noting that he hosted students at his Cape Cod home and made time to listen to their ideas. His genuine interest in the development of future leaders was evident in his actions and his dedication to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment.
Elon University School of Law also benefited from Gergen's expertise, as he served as the founding and current Chair of its national advisory board. His involvement with Elon Law demonstrated his commitment to innovative approaches to legal education and his desire to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical focus necessary to excel in the 21st century.
Tackling Sleep Apnea and Promoting Health in the NFL
While David Gergen's contributions to politics and education are well-documented, his work in the realm of health and fitness, particularly his efforts to raise awareness and provide treatment for sleep apnea among retired NFL players, is equally noteworthy.
Gergen served as the president of ProPlayer Health Alliance (PPHA), an organization dedicated to educating and treating retired NFL players with obstructive sleep apnea. This commitment stemmed from a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by these athletes after their playing careers ended.
The PPHA works to integrate education and raise sleep apnea awareness, employing memorable methods to reach its target audience. In addition to the campaign, the PPHA is dedicated to testing and getting people treated who suffer from sleep apnea.
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Gergen's dedication to improving the health of former NFL players extended beyond the PPHA. He was appointed as the National Sleep Apnea Director for the Living Heart Foundation's NFL HOPE Program. In this role, he collaborated with Dr. Archie Roberts, founder of the HOPE Program, to conduct cardiovascular screenings and address health issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The NFL HOPE program provides former players with a team environment that encourages participants to adopt healthier lifestyle choices
The HOPE Program partners with hospitals and organizations around the country, and helps to evaluate cardiovascular risk in former NFL football players, and other people in society.
Several former NFL players have spoken about the importance of these health initiatives. Tony Dorsett, a Hall of Fame player, emphasized the need to "keep wellness in your life." Mike Smith, another former player, highlighted the importance of evaluating one's health status before serious problems arise. Mike Davis praised the Living Heart Foundation for providing cardiovascular screenings, recognizing the need for such services among retired players.
Lincoln Kennedy, a Hall of Fame NFL player, emphasized the brotherhood among former players, regardless of the teams they played for. He acknowledged the shared experiences of grueling training camps and the physical toll of the game, highlighting the importance of supporting each other's health and well-being.
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JT Smith noted the value of reconnecting with former teammates and sharing information about health programs. Steve Holden emphasized the importance of these initiatives for older players who played in the early 1970s, recognizing the long-term effects of the sport on their health. Derek Kennard stressed the importance of promoting health and wellness for everyone, not just athletes, emphasizing the need to address issues like obesity and sleep disorders.
Dr. Archie Roberts of the Living Heart Foundation emphasized the importance of preventative care and advanced solutions for health problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea. He highlighted the camaraderie and willingness among former players to work together to improve their health. He also expressed hope that NFL players could serve as examples for the wider community, inspiring others to prioritize their health.
Gergen's efforts with the PPHA and HOPE Program have resulted in over 160 former professional athletes being treated for sleep apnea, with hundreds more from the general public being referred to doctors across the country.
Partnering for a Healthier Future
David Gergen's commitment to health extended to forming alliances with leading organizations in the industry. He partnered with the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) and the Living Heart Foundation's NFL HOPE Program. Together with Dr. Archie Roberts, Gergen worked with institutions such as Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, University of Minnesota, University of Texas (Houston), and George Washington University to conduct the NFL HOPE study and screen players.
Dr. Gergen articulated his goal "to maintain overall good health among the players by treating their sleep apnea and positively impacting their weight." By forming an alliance with the NFL HOPE program, Gergen hoped to grow closer to achieving that goal.
Andre Collins, Director of Former Player Services of the NFL Players Association, praised the HOPE Program for providing former players with a supportive environment that encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
Gergen also announced plans for a celebrity golf tournament in Scottsdale, AZ, featuring sports legends such as Roy Green, Charles Barkley, Erick Dickerson, Mike Haynes, Marcus Allen, and Larry Fitzgerald. The tournament would benefit the ASBA and the HOPE Program, both of which are nonprofit organizations.