What Is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?

What Is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?

Let me explain the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directly: it's a Cabinet-level government department that delivers health and human services while advancing research in social services, medicine, and public health. You should know that HHS accomplishes this through 12 agencies managing more than 100 programs, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Key Takeaways

Here's what you need to grasp: the Department of Health and Human Services serves as a federal entity dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of U.S. citizens. It also drives research in social services, medicine, and public health. With 12 operating divisions and over 100 programs across its agencies, HHS provides human services and implements initiatives in social service, civil rights, and healthcare privacy. Two prominent divisions are the CDC and the FDA.

Understanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

I want to walk you through the background: the Department of Health and Human Services originated as a Cabinet-level department in 1953 under the name Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). In 1979, the Department of Education Organization Act established a separate Department of Education, leading to the reorganization of the remaining agencies into the Department of Health and Human Services on May 4, 1980.

HHS handles implementation of parts of the Affordable Care Act, enforces the HIPAA Privacy Rule, ensures that human-subject research by Department-funded institutions follows regulations, and runs the Head Start program for children. It's also the largest grant-making agency in the country.

HHS Agencies and Offices

The Department of Health and Human Services aims to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, particularly for those least able to help themselves. To meet this mission, HHS operates 12 divisions, including eight in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies, all delivering various health and human services. I'll describe some key ones here.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC stands as the primary health protection agency in the United States. It conducts research and analysis to shield the population from health threats, emphasizing science and technology to prevent diseases and address the nation's major health issues causing death and disability. The CDC also promotes healthy and safe behaviors, communities, and environments.

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

The ACL concentrates on the care and health of older adults, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers. It oversees numerous programs offering assistance in health and wellness, protects rights, prevents abuse, funds research, and bolsters community-based organization networks.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA safeguards public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices, along with the safety of the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products. It also regulates tobacco products to protect the public and curb tobacco use by minors. Note that in 2020, the FDA approved 53 novel drugs, marking the second-highest count in 20 years.

Other Divisions

Beyond those, the other operating divisions of HHS include the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Indian Health Service (IHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

HHS Programs and Responsibilities

HHS manages more than 100 programs covering social services, civil rights, healthcare privacy, disaster preparedness, and health-related research. These social service programs assist military families, senior citizens, and individuals with low income and disabilities. HHS enforces healthcare rights through the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects patients' medical information, workers' health insurance during unemployment, and establishes health insurance guidelines.

What Does the Abbreviation HHS Stand For?

HHS stands for Health and Human Services, referring to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a federal government branch that promotes and improves the health of all Americans via various health and human services programs.

What Does the HHS Do?

The HHS takes responsibility for promoting and enhancing the health of U.S. citizens. It runs over 100 programs focused on health, science, care, social services, prevention, and wellness, all designed to ensure the well-being of the American people.

Who Is the Current HHS Secretary?

The current HHS Secretary is Xavier Becerra, the 25th secretary of the department and the first Latino in that role.

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) features 12 operating divisions and over 100 programs to advance the health and well-being of U.S. citizens. It supports research in social services, medicine, and public health, with divisions like the CDC and FDA playing central roles.