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Breslow (Lester) papers
LSC.2246
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Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Lester Breslow papers
Creator:
Breslow, Lester, 1915-2012
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.2246
Physical Description:
53.6 Linear Feet
(134 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1932-2009
Abstract: Lester Breslow was a former dean of the UCLA School of Public Health, professor emeritus of health services, and one of the
leading figures in public health. He was born March 17, 1915 in Bismarck, ND, and received a BS in Psychology (1935) from
the University of Minnesota, where he also earned his medical and public health degrees (MD, 1938; MPH, 1941). He is widely
known for his early advocacy and research into health promotion and disease prevention. This collection consists of materials
related to Breslow's professional research, scholarship, and leadership in the field of public health both as a UCLA professor
and as a researcher and advocate in non-UCLA affiliated projects. The papers include professional correspondence, research
notes and files, authored reports and related materials, conference presentation and talks, legislative testimonies and related
materials.
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Copyright to portions of this collection has been assigned to the UCLA Library Special Collections. The library can grant
permission to publish for materials to which it holds the copyright. All requests for permission to publish must be submitted
in writing to Library Special Collections. Credit shall be given as follows: The Regents of the University of California on
behalf of the UCLA Library Special Collections.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
COLLECTION CONTAINS DIGITAL MATERIALS: This collection contains processed digital materials. Special equipment or further
processing may be required for viewing. All requests to access digital materials must be made in advance using the request
button located on this page.
Devra Breslow; Gift; 2014.
[Identification of item], Lester Breslow papers (Collection 2246). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research
Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Preliminary processing by Charlotte B. Brown. Processed by Angel Diaz, 2018.
Collection includes one unprocessed CD and one unprocessed DVD.
Collections are processed to a variety of levels depending on the work necessary to make them usable, their perceived user
interest and research value, availability of staff and resources, and competing priorities. Library Special Collections provides
a standard level of preservation and access for all collections and, when time and resources permit, conducts more intensive
processing. These materials have been arranged and described according to national and local standards and best practices.
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UCLA Catalog Record ID:
9985825133606533
Lester Breslow was a former dean of the UCLA School of Public Health, professor emeritus of health services, and one of the
leading figures in public health. He was born March 17, 1915 in Bismarck, ND, and received a BS in Psychology (1935) from
the University of Minnesota, where he also earned his medical and public health degrees (MD, 1938; MPH, 1941).
After serving as a US Army captain in the Pacific Division during World War II, Breslow went on to the California Department
of Public Health, first as Chief of the Bureau of Chronic Diseases (1946-1960), then Chief of the Division of Preventive Medical
Services (1960-1965), and then Director of Public Health (1965-1968). Breslow is widely known for his early advocacy and research
into health promotion and disease prevention. Through pioneering studies relying on the Alameda County Human Population Laboratory
beginning in the early 1960s, he helped to identify the important influence of behavior on disability and premature death.
His research was among the first to show that simple health practices, such as getting regular exercise and sleep, not drinking
excessively, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, supports longer and better quality of life.
Breslow joined the UCLA School of Public Health faculty in 1968, serving as Dean of the School of Public Health from 1972-1980,
and continued speaking and writing as professor emeritus well into his 90s. He served on numerous local, state, national,
and international associations and commissions. He served as president of the International Epidemiological Association (1967-1968),
the American Public Health Association (1968-1969), and the American Schools of Public Health (1973-1975). Breslow passed
away in Los Angeles on April 9, 2012.
This collection consists of materials related to the professional research, scholarship, and leadership in the field of public
health of American physician Lester Breslow, a UCLA professor and dean of the School of Public Health. His research interests
were health promotion, disease prevention, and public health programs. The papers include professional correspondence, research
notes and files, authored reports and related materials, conference presentations and talks, legislative testimonies and related
materials. This collection also includes administrative materials such as correspondence, memos, agendas, and reports related
to Breslow's work at the UCLA School of Public health, as well as his extensive involvement with local, state, and national
committees and commissions.
This collection has been arranged in the following series:
- Series 1: Teaching and university affairs, 1938-2009
- Series 2: Research scholarship, 1932-2008
- Subseries 2.1: Resource files, 1932-2005
- Subseries 2.2: Grants and research, 1958-2006
- Subseries 2.3: Publications and reports, 1949-2008
- Subseries 2.4: Conference presentations and talks, 1955-2007
- Series 3: Non-university work, 1950-2009
- Subseries 3.1: Committees and consulting, 1971-2009
- Subseries 3.2: Legislation and testimonies, 1950-2003
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Public health -- United States
Health care reform -- United States
Health promotion -- United States
Breslow, Lester, 1915-2012 -- Archives
University of California, Los Angeles. School of Public Health. Faculty -- Archives