Pause for a moment right here in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building. This is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Let me tell you its story.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or HHS has a vital mission. It strives to protect the health of all Americans. It provides essential human services especially for those in need. Its motto says it all. “Improving the health safety and well-being of America.”
But its story begins before it was even called HHS.
Back in 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Federal Security Agency. This brought together federal programs for health education and social security. Paul V. McNutt was its first administrator. This agency included the Public Health Service the Office of Education and the Social Security Board.
Then in 1953 President Dwight D. Eisenhower established a new cabinet-level department. This was the Department of Health Education and Welfare or HEW. Oveta Culp Hobby became its first secretary.
HEW included the Public Health Service the Office of Education and the Food and Drug Administration. It also oversaw Howard University and Gallaudet College.
In 1979 the Department of Education was created separately. HEW was renamed the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS took charge of the Public Health Service and Family Support Administration.
Over the years the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has expanded. It now manages many programs across its divisions. These programs cover social services civil rights and healthcare privacy. They also address disaster preparedness and health-related research.
HHS offers social service programs for those with low incomes people with disabilities and senior citizens. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA falls under HHS. It protects patients’ privacy regarding medical information.
This department also works to prevent diseases. They oversee food and drug safety. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also manages Medicare and Medicaid. These offer health insurance to the elderly disabled and low-income people.
It supports maternal and infant health including Nurse Home Visitation for new mothers. Head Start a pre-school education program is also under its purview. The department provides services for older Americans.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports comprehensive health services for Native Americans. It also focuses on medical preparedness for emergencies.
The Office of Inspector General within HHS investigates criminal activity. They focus on Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched Healthy People 2010. This was a national initiative to improve Americans’ health.
The Strengthening Communities Fund was created in 2010. It provided grants to organizations engaged in capacity building programs.
HHS plays a key role in protecting the U.S. against bioterrorism. They released a National Biodefense Strategy. It strengthens the nation’s defenses against biological threats.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This person is appointed by the President. The Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Secretary and several assistant secretaries. They manage the department’s many operations.
The Immediate Office of the Secretary helps manage HHS. It includes the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Health Reform. The Office of National Security addresses intelligence and national security matters.
The Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs connects with state local and tribal governments. They also liaise with NGOs.
The U.S. Public Health Service is a key component of HHS. It includes agencies like the National Institutes of Health the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ work impacts every American. It shapes our health care our social services and our overall well-being. Its story is one of continuous adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the nation.