Support the Charles L. Brown, Jr., MD Professorship in Health Promotion
Surrounded by his family, Charles Lafayette Brown, Jr., MD, 87, passed away on January 14, 2017, at his home in New Orleans. Dr. Brown, affectionately known as “Charlie,” had a storied career, touching lives from many walks and leaving a legacy that will continue to affect the health and well-being of generations to come.
“My ‘partner in crime,’ as Charlie liked to call himself, was instrumental to the integration of nutrition and exercise science into medical school education,” said Melinda Sothern, PhD, LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Public Health and internationally recognized pediatric obesity researcher. “His efforts were vital to raising the awareness of physicians nationwide to the importance of healthy nutrition and regular exercise to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as obesity and related illnesses, especially in young people.”
Charlie developed the “Wellness Place” for the faculty, students and staff of the Health Sciences Center and the Walk to Wellness that encourages physical activity and prevention of obesity, tobacco use and improved diet. He also led the efforts to establish the Jim Finks Endowed Chair in Health Promotion at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, as well as served on the Louisiana Obesity Task Force.
"Dr. Charlie Brown was a quiet force," said Larry Hollier, MD, Chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. "He had a knack for bringing out the best in people and the most genteel way of persuading them to help him achieve his goals. Through his tobacco cessation work, including driving the passage of Act 815, Louisiana's first statewide comprehensive smoke-free indoor air act, Charlie leaves a legacy of health."
“Dr. Brown was without question the leader in tobacco control advocacy in Louisiana for decades,” said Elizabeth Fontham, Dr.PH, Founding Dean and Emeritus Professor at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health. “In 2002, he was the lead advocate and spokesperson in the Louisiana Legislature for the Tobacco Coalition. These efforts resulted in a successful additional 12 cent/pack tax on cigarettes and the creation of the Louisiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program.”
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Charles L Brown, Jr. to the Charles L. Brown, Jr., MD Professorship within the School of Public Health at the LSU Health Sciences Center.
Donations may be made online below or via check (details following):
Make check payable to: LSU Health Foundation
Notation Line: Dr. Charles L. Brown, Jr. or the Charles L. Brown, Jr., MD Professorship
Send to: LSU Health Foundation
2000 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70112
Questions: 504-568-5717
The LSU Health Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with the family of Dr. Brown. We do not share the gift amount.