Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release dated: May 12, 2022
Xavier Becerra
May 12, 2022
Second Global COVID-19 Summit
Virtual Event
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra delivered remarks at the second Global COVID-19 Summit, co-hosted by the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal. During the Summit, Secretary Becerra discussed our continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic—getting shots in arms, enhancing access to tests and treatments, protecting the health workforce, and financing and building health security for future pandemics and other health crises.
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Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit
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U.S. Health and Human Services Announces 5 Million Dollars in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $5 Million in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers | site |
This investment supports President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative by promoting early detection and treatment through cancer screening.
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 11, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $5 million for community health centers, funded by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration, to increase equitable access to life-saving cancer screenings. This funding supports President Joe Biden’s Unity Agenda and his call to action on cancer screening and early detection as part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to end cancer as we know it. “Cancer screening saves lives – and it should be accessib... -
Health and Human Services Announces 16.3 Million Dollars to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $16.3 Million to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 10, 2022 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $16.3 million in grant funding to support 31 grantees to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning clinics in 26 states, one U.S. territory, and one freely associated state. Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services in communities across the U.S. HHS used funds made available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to award these grants to current Title X family planning grantees for a 12-month project period starting on May 15, 2022. This increased funding is another step... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 226.5 Million Dollars to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $226.5 Million to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 15, 2022 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced the availability of $226.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to launch the Community Health Worker Training Program. This new program will increase the number of community health workers who play a critical role in connecting people to care, including COVID care; mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services; chronic disease care; and other important health services. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building a robust public health workforce — the first line of defense in preventing disease, ... -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Fudge Delivers Remarks at Fair Housing Month Virtual Ceremony
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Fudge Delivers Remarks at Fair Housing Month Virtual Ceremony| site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) press release dated: April 6, 2022
Washington - - Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on Tuesday delivered virtual remarks at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity annual Fair Housing Month Ceremony.
View the recording of Tuesday’s Fair Housing Month Ceremony here.
Remarks as delivered by Secretary Fudge:
I am thrilled to join you to commemorate the 54th anniversary of a law that guarantees one of our most basic rights—the right to be free from housing discrimination. On April 11, 1968, 54 years ago, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. The Fair Housing Act recognized what generations have k... -
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas || site |
Funding will Expand the Community-based Doula Workforce to Help Address Maternal Mortality
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 1, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of $4.5 million for hiring, training, certifying, and compensating community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. This announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and address the nation’s Black maternal health crisis. “Every person deserves to have the best support and care during pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’... -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for HHS Health Care Workforce
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for HHS Health Care Workforce | site |
Becerra: ‘Our Number One Goal Is the Health and Safety of the American Public, Including Our Federal Workforce’
Action Will Impact More Than 25,000 Workers at IHS, NIH, and Members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: August 12, 2021)
To increase vaccination coverage and protect more people from COVID-19, including the more transmissible Delta variant, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will require more than 25,000 members of its health care workforce to be vaccinated against COVID-19.Staff at the Indian Health...
Secretary Xavier Becerra -
Chief Human Capital Officers Council’s Functions Reinstated at OPM
Chief Human Capital Officers Council’s Functions Reinstated at U.S. Office of Personnel Management | site |
OPM says move signals Office of Personnel Management's commitment to engaging and elevating CHCOs as strategic human capital partners
(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: July 20, 2021) Washington, D.C. - - Today, at her first meeting of the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director and Council Chair, Kiran Ahuja, announced that the CHCO Council’s functions will be restored to OPM, after the Council’s leadership and administration were bifurcated between OPM and General Services Administration (GSA) since 2019. This restoration of these functions to OPM will elevate the voices of CHCOs and strengthen the connection between governmentwide human capital strategy and policy development, and agency-level human capital managemen... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Releases Project [email protected] Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for Comment
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Releases Project [email protected] Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for Comment | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: June 16, 2021) The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in collaboration with standards development organizations and a broad community of experts today released the Project [email protected] (‘USA’) Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for public comment. Project [email protected] was created to develop a unified, cross-standards, healthcare industry-wide specification for representing patient addresses to improve patient matching. “With a clear target and industry-wide commitment, it’s been amazing to see how much progress has been made in six short months,” said Steve Posnack, deputy national coordinator for health information technology. “We reall... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 25, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: “HHS has made incredible progress expanding vaccine access, lowering health care premiums, and leading the advocacy charge for the American Families Plan,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our growing team reflects our commitment to continue fighting for the health of this country during a time of great need and even greater opportunity.” These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, strengt... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 3 Billion Dollars in American Rescue Plan Funding for SAMHSA Block Grants to Address Addiction, Mental Health Crisis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $3 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding for SAMHSA Block Grants to Address Addiction, Mental Health Crisis | site |
HHS Secretary Becerra forms new Behavioral Health Coordinating Council
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 18, 2021) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is distributing $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding — the largest aggregate amount of funding to date for its mental health and substance use block grant programs. The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) Program and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) will disperse $1.5 billion each to states and territories (with the latter also awarding money to a tribe). This follows the March announcement of supplemental funding of nearly $2.5 billion ... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra Statement on Visit to Emergency Intake Site in Long Beach, California
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra Statement on Visit to Emergency Intake Site in Long Beach, California | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 13, 2021) “Providing unaccompanied children a safe, healthy place is both our legal and moral obligation. That’s why today I visited the Long Beach Convention Center, an Emergency Intake Site that HHS launched three weeks ago, which has a potential capacity of 1,000 beds to help us meet the influx of arrivals. Our federal volunteers and the many staff members here today are working tirelessly to care for the children as we move to safely unite them with their parents or legal sponsors. While we have more work to do to meet the influx of arrivals and tackle the challenges this Administration inherited, we are making important strides. Last month, we doubled our capacity at shelters by adding more than 14,... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Statement on the Swearing-In of Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Statement on the Swearing-In of Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 12, 2021) Today, following a bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra formally swore in Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary. Palm previously served as the Secretary-designee of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and in several leadership roles at HHS during the Obama-Biden Administration. “I want to congratulate Andrea Palm, a lifelong public servant, for her bipartisan confirmation to serve as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We are elated to have her join the HHS team. As a veteran of the Obama-Biden Administration and as the former top health official in Wisc... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | site |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says its Office for Civil Rights to Enforce Prohibitions on Sex Discrimination in Line with Supreme Court Decision
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 10, 2021) Washington D.C. - - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs or activiti... -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 27, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: "The growing team at HHS is working tirelessly to end the COVID-19 pandemic and expand access to health care through President Biden's American Rescue Plan," said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. "These appointees, under the leadership of Secretary Xavier Becerra, bring diversity and years of experience to the crucial mission of ensuring Americans' health and wellbeing." These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality an...
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Remarks by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra at the Global COVID-19 Summit | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release dated: May 12, 2022
Xavier Becerra
May 12, 2022
Second Global COVID-19 Summit
Virtual Event
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra delivered remarks at the second Global COVID-19 Summit, co-hosted by the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal. During the Summit, Secretary Becerra discussed our continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic—getting shots in arms, enhancing access to tests and treatments, protecting the health workforce, and financing and building health security for future pandemics and other health crises.
...05-17-2022, 03:47 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $5 Million in Funding to Advance Equity in Cancer Screening at Health Centers | site |
This investment supports President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative by promoting early detection and treatment through cancer screening.
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 11, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $5 million for community health centers, funded by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration, to increase equitable access to life-saving cancer screenings. This funding supports President Joe Biden’s Unity Agenda and his call to action on cancer screening and early detection as part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to end cancer as we know it. “Cancer screening saves lives – and it should be accessib...05-13-2022, 10:10 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $16.3 Million to Expand Telehealth Care in the Title X Family Planning Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 10, 2022 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $16.3 million in grant funding to support 31 grantees to enhance and expand the telehealth infrastructure and capacity of Title X family planning clinics in 26 states, one U.S. territory, and one freely associated state. Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services in communities across the U.S. HHS used funds made available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to award these grants to current Title X family planning grantees for a 12-month project period starting on May 15, 2022. This increased funding is another step...05-11-2022, 04:40 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $226.5 Million to Launch Community Health Worker Training Program | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 15, 2022 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced the availability of $226.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to launch the Community Health Worker Training Program. This new program will increase the number of community health workers who play a critical role in connecting people to care, including COVID care; mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services; chronic disease care; and other important health services. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building a robust public health workforce — the first line of defense in preventing disease, ...04-16-2022, 04:09 PM -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Fudge Delivers Remarks at Fair Housing Month Virtual Ceremony| site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) press release dated: April 6, 2022
Washington - - Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on Tuesday delivered virtual remarks at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity annual Fair Housing Month Ceremony.
View the recording of Tuesday’s Fair Housing Month Ceremony here.
Remarks as delivered by Secretary Fudge:
I am thrilled to join you to commemorate the 54th anniversary of a law that guarantees one of our most basic rights—the right to be free from housing discrimination. On April 11, 1968, 54 years ago, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. The Fair Housing Act recognized what generations have k...04-11-2022, 12:28 PM -
Health Resources and Services Administration Announces Availability of New Funding to Support Community-Based Doulas || site |
Funding will Expand the Community-based Doula Workforce to Help Address Maternal Mortality
Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 1, 2022
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of $4.5 million for hiring, training, certifying, and compensating community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. This announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and address the nation’s Black maternal health crisis. “Every person deserves to have the best support and care during pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’...04-04-2022, 11:46 PM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for HHS Health Care Workforce | site |
Becerra: ‘Our Number One Goal Is the Health and Safety of the American Public, Including Our Federal Workforce’
Action Will Impact More Than 25,000 Workers at IHS, NIH, and Members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: August 12, 2021)
To increase vaccination coverage and protect more people from COVID-19, including the more transmissible Delta variant, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will require more than 25,000 members of its health care workforce to be vaccinated against COVID-19.Staff at the Indian Health...
Secretary Xavier Becerra08-13-2021, 05:47 PM -
Chief Human Capital Officers Council’s Functions Reinstated at U.S. Office of Personnel Management | site |
OPM says move signals Office of Personnel Management's commitment to engaging and elevating CHCOs as strategic human capital partners
(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: July 20, 2021) Washington, D.C. - - Today, at her first meeting of the Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCO) Council, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director and Council Chair, Kiran Ahuja, announced that the CHCO Council’s functions will be restored to OPM, after the Council’s leadership and administration were bifurcated between OPM and General Services Administration (GSA) since 2019. This restoration of these functions to OPM will elevate the voices of CHCOs and strengthen the connection between governmentwide human capital strategy and policy development, and agency-level human capital managemen...08-03-2021, 01:50 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Releases Project [email protected] Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for Comment | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: June 16, 2021) The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in collaboration with standards development organizations and a broad community of experts today released the Project [email protected] (‘USA’) Draft Technical Specification Version 1.0 for public comment. Project [email protected] was created to develop a unified, cross-standards, healthcare industry-wide specification for representing patient addresses to improve patient matching. “With a clear target and industry-wide commitment, it’s been amazing to see how much progress has been made in six short months,” said Steve Posnack, deputy national coordinator for health information technology. “We reall...06-18-2021, 01:12 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: May 25, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: “HHS has made incredible progress expanding vaccine access, lowering health care premiums, and leading the advocacy charge for the American Families Plan,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our growing team reflects our commitment to continue fighting for the health of this country during a time of great need and even greater opportunity.” These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, strengt...05-28-2021, 02:48 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $3 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding for SAMHSA Block Grants to Address Addiction, Mental Health Crisis | site |
HHS Secretary Becerra forms new Behavioral Health Coordinating Council
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 18, 2021) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is distributing $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding — the largest aggregate amount of funding to date for its mental health and substance use block grant programs. The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) Program and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) will disperse $1.5 billion each to states and territories (with the latter also awarding money to a tribe). This follows the March announcement of supplemental funding of nearly $2.5 billion ...05-18-2021, 05:22 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra Statement on Visit to Emergency Intake Site in Long Beach, California | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 13, 2021) “Providing unaccompanied children a safe, healthy place is both our legal and moral obligation. That’s why today I visited the Long Beach Convention Center, an Emergency Intake Site that HHS launched three weeks ago, which has a potential capacity of 1,000 beds to help us meet the influx of arrivals. Our federal volunteers and the many staff members here today are working tirelessly to care for the children as we move to safely unite them with their parents or legal sponsors. While we have more work to do to meet the influx of arrivals and tackle the challenges this Administration inherited, we are making important strides. Last month, we doubled our capacity at shelters by adding more than 14,...05-15-2021, 03:20 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Statement on the Swearing-In of Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 12, 2021) Today, following a bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra formally swore in Andrea Palm as Deputy Secretary. Palm previously served as the Secretary-designee of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and in several leadership roles at HHS during the Obama-Biden Administration. “I want to congratulate Andrea Palm, a lifelong public servant, for her bipartisan confirmation to serve as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We are elated to have her join the HHS team. As a veteran of the Obama-Biden Administration and as the former top health official in Wisc...05-13-2021, 05:41 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | site |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says its Office for Civil Rights to Enforce Prohibitions on Sex Discrimination in Line with Supreme Court Decision
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: May 10, 2021) Washington D.C. - - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs or activiti...05-10-2021, 05:53 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: April 27, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments: "The growing team at HHS is working tirelessly to end the COVID-19 pandemic and expand access to health care through President Biden's American Rescue Plan," said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. "These appointees, under the leadership of Secretary Xavier Becerra, bring diversity and years of experience to the crucial mission of ensuring Americans' health and wellbeing." These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality an...04-29-2021, 11:15 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden-Harris Administration Staff Appointments | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: March 2, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden-Harris Administration appointments, building on an experienced team committed to President Biden’s mission to end the COVID-19 pandemic, expand affordable health care, and advance equity. “President Biden’s team at HHS is growing quickly and continues to work tirelessly to end the COVID pandemic and address our many health challenges,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our appointees will work hand-in-hand with our dedicated team of career officials throughout HHS to protect and expand quality, affordable care to all Americans.” These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, wh...03-05-2021, 05:39 PM -
Putting Human Rights at the Center of U.S. Foreign Policy | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release dated: February 24, 2021)
Press Statement
February 24, 2021
Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. Promoting respect for human rights is not something we can do alone, but is best accomplished working with our allies and partners across the globe. President Biden is committed to a foreign policy that unites our democratic values with our diplomatic leadership, and one that is centered on the defense of democracy and the protection of human rights. Today, the administration took an important step in that direction by announcing the U.S. intent to seek election to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council starting in January 2022. The Un...02-25-2021, 05:44 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Lead Federal Grants Management Innovations and Efficiencies | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: January 11, 2021)
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today formally designated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Quality Service Management Office (QSMO) for grants to lead efforts to transform the Federal grants management process end-to-end. With this designation, the Grants QSMO will drive standardization and modernization of systems to increase efficiency and reduce burden for grant applicants and recipients and for the federal workforce government-wide. “The designation of HHS as the Grants QSMO affirms the long-standing role of HHS as the largest grant-making agency and leader in improving grants management. We look forward to working across the stakeholder community of awarding agencies, service pro...01-11-2021, 04:15 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Continues Community Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: January 7, 2021) Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the extension of the Community Based Testing Site program for COVID-19 testing, through partnership with national pharmacy and retail chains CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Quest (through services at Walmart) and service provider eTrueNorth (through services at Health Mart and Topco locations). The partnership has resulted in establishing more than 3,300 COVID-19 testing locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To date, more than 5.6 million tests have been conducted as a result of this partnership. The Community Based Testing Site program began in the spring of 2020 and includes a large percentage - over 70% - of testing sites located in communities ...01-07-2021, 04:34 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $22 Billion in Funding to Support Expanded Testing, Vaccination Distribution | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: January 6, 2021)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced two upcoming actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide more than $22 billion in funding to states, localities, and territories in support of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as directed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Funding will provide critical support for testing and vaccination-related activities to jurisdictions before January 19, 2021:- More than $19 billion will be allocated to jurisdictions through the existing CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) cooperative agreement. These awards will support testing, contract tracing, surveillance,
01-07-2021, 04:30 AM -
Report to Congress: Human Trafficking in the Seafood Supply Chain | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson press release media note: December 23, 2020) To address human trafficking, including forced labor, in the seafood sector, the Department of State and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have submitted a joint report to Congress, “Human Trafficking in the Seafood Supply Chain,” pursuant to Section 3563 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (P.L. 116-92). The report lists countries at risk for having human trafficking in their seafood catching and processing industries, provides detailed descriptions, risk assessments, and recommendations. The fishing sector has inherently high risk for human trafficking. The work is considered hazardous and often relies heavily on a low-skilled, migrant, easily replaced workforce, vulnerable to trafficking. Fishing is also inheren...12-24-2020, 12:40 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes Statements on FDA Authorization of Moderna Vaccine | site |
(The following information was contained in a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: December 18, 2020)
HHS and DoD Statements on FDA Authorization of Moderna Vaccine
On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it had issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, the second COVID-19 vaccine to receive an EUA. Operation Warp Speed has allocated more than 5.9 million doses of the vaccine for jurisdictions to receive in the coming week. Below are statements from HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. “On January 7, before China had reported even one death from the novel coronavirus or confirmed human-to-human transmission, NIH scientists and innovators at Moderna agreed to b...12-22-2020, 12:14 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Statement on EUA for At-Home Use of BinaxNOW Card Test | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: December 16, 2020) On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration issued a new emergency use authorization (EUA) for Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test, allowing individuals to perform the test at home with a prescription. The test will be offered in partnership with a telehealth service that will guide users step-by-step and report all test results to the relevant public health authorities in accordance with local, state and federal requirements HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement: “FDA’s authorization of the BinaxNOW card test for home use means we should have tens of millions of COVID-19 tests in the coming months that Americans can use without leaving their home. HHS’s testing leadership ha...12-18-2020, 07:45 AM -
Statement published by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on FDA Emergency Use Authorization of a COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: December 11, 2020) Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Pfizer for its COVID-19 vaccine, the first authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. Operation Warp Speed and private sector partners now begin distributing the first allocation of doses to sites designated by the public health jurisdictions and five federal agencies with which OWS and CDC have been working to plan distribution. HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller released the following statements: “It is nothing short of a medical miracle to have FDA authorization of a vaccine for COVID-19 just over 11 months since the virus was made known to the w...12-12-2020, 12:08 AM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Leadership Hosts Online Seminar on Combating Human Trafficking | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation [DOT| press release: December 8, 2020)
(Secretary Chao’s remarks can be viewed HERE)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a virtual seminar today, a collaboration with Department leadership and industry stakeholders, to help combat human trafficking. The event underscored the important role of all aspects of the transportation industry in stopping human trafficking, and provided immediate, actionable steps all stakeholders can take to help amplify counter-trafficking efforts. More than 600 participants...12-08-2020, 02:18 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Publishes COVID-19 Hospital Facility-Level Data | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: December 7, 2020)
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing new hospital COVID-19 capacity data at the facility level. Previously released data about hospital capacity that had been released was aggregated at the state level. This new, more granular, data release aggregates daily hospital reports into a "week at a time" picture to protect patient privacy, while providing a view of how COVID-19 is impacting hospitals and local communities across the country. With this data release, how hospitals are impacted by COVID-19 will be shown on a per-hospital basis, allowing researchers, policy makers, and others to have greater insights into local COVID-19 response efforts. This time series data will update weekly, going back to Aug...12-07-2020, 08:56 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says Tribal Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations Choose How They Will Access the COVID-19 Vaccine | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release: December 1, 2020) The Department of Health and Human Services is laying the necessary groundwork for the distribution of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by ensuring that all tribal health programs and urban Indian organizations have the choice on how they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, HHS is announcing that all tribal health programs and UIOs have chosen their preferred method for receiving the vaccine. Tribal health programs and UIOs had the option of receiving the vaccine either through the Indian Health Service or their respective state. Once available, COVID-19 vaccines will be allocated to jurisdictions, including the IHS, who will then distribute to tribal health programs and UIOs. “By offeri...12-01-2020, 08:47 PM -
Statement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chief of Staff Brian Harrison on Efforts to Increase Transparency at HHS | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: November 24, 2020)
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a Notice published in the Federal Register announced a policy to enhance transparency at HHS by requiring that all assumptions, working papers, models, and other information used as part of any impact analysis associated with a rule or demonstration project are shared at the time the results of that analysis are publicly disclosed. HHS Chief of Staff Brian Harrison issued the following statement:
“We are providing needed transparency by requiring the Department to show its math so the American people can know and challenge the methods government uses to calculate effects of regulations it imposes on them.”
Frequently...11-24-2020, 03:24 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Launches Pilot Program of Fast Molecular POC Test for COVID-19 | site |
HHS says Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Texas Receive First Shipments of Test Used in NBA Bubble
(Information contained in HHS press release: November 19, 2020) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a pilot program with five states to use portable, cartridge-based COVID-19 molecular test kits that provide rapid results. The pilot program will assess how to best integrate diagnostic technology developed by Cue Health, Inc., into strategies for disease surveillance and infection control in institutions such as nursing homes. Used successfully as the primary molecular point-of-care (POC) test to control the spread of COVID-19 within in the National Basketball Association “bubble,” as well as by leading healthcare providers in the U.S., the nasal swab POC test generates results in ab...11-19-2020, 11:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allocates Lilly therapeutic to treat Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 | site |
(November 10, 2020) - - Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced plans to allocate initial doses of Eli Lilly and Company’s investigational monoclonal antibody therapeutic, bamlanivimab, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration November 9 for the treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild or moderate confirmed cases of COVID-19.
On October 28, the federal government announced a purchase of 300,000 doses of bamlanivimab. HHS will allocate these doses to state and territorial health departments which, in turn, will determine which healthcare facilities receive the infusion drug. The federal government can purchase up to 650,000 additional...11-10-2020, 03:48 PM -
Scientists use Clues in the Human Genome to Discover new Inflammatory Syndrome | site |
(October 27, 2020) - - On October 27, 2020, the National Institutes of Health published the following information:
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a new inflammatory disorder called vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory and somatic syndrome (VEXAS), which is caused by mutations in the UBA1 gene. VEXAS causes symptoms that included blood clots in veins, recurrent fevers, pulmonary abnormalities and vacuoles (unusual cavity-like structures) in myeloid cells. The scientists reported their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Nearly 125 million people in the U.S. live with some form of a chronic inflammatory disease. Many of these diseases have overlapping symptoms, which often make it difficult for researchers to diagnose the specific inflammatory disease in a given patient. ...11-06-2020, 02:51 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Launches New Center for Countering Human Trafficking | site |
(October 20, 2020) - - Today, October 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published the following information: WASHINGTON—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad Wolf announced Tuesday the opening of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, the U.S. government’s first-ever integrated law enforcement operations center directly supporting federal criminal investigations, victim assistance efforts, intelligence analysis, and outreach and training activities related to human trafficking and forced labor. The center, which has been operational since early September, is based in Washington and led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a global leader of criminal investigations into human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The center will be staffed with law enforcement officials from Homeland Security Inves...10-27-2020, 03:36 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Expands Relief Fund Eligibility and Updates Reporting Requirements | site |
(October 22, 2020) - - Today, October 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing the latest Provider Relief Fund (PRF) application period has been expanded to include provider applicants such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and eye and vision providers that have not yet received Provider Relief Fund distributions. On October 1, 2020, HHS announced it would be making up to $20 billion in new Phase 3 General Distribution funding available for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. HHS is also focused on ensuring the safe continuity of all types of health care delivery despite this pandemic. As such, the Adminis...10-23-2020, 05:38 AM -
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Azar Statement on Mental Health Executive Order| site |
(October 5, 2020) - - Today, October 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information: On Monday, the White House issued President Trump's Executive Order on Saving Lives Through Increased Support For Mental- and Behavioral-Health Needs, which orders the creation of a Coronavirus Mental Health Working Group, co-chaired by the HHS Secretary and Brooke Rollins, Acting Director of the Domestic Policy Council (or their designees), the submission of a plan by the working group for addressing mental health impacts of COVID-19, and calls for agencies to maximize support, including safe in-person services, for Americans in need of behavioral health treatment. HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement: "We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created or exacerbated serious behavioral health challenges for ma...10-08-2020, 07:12 PM -
Scientists say Surface of the Moon has too much Radiation for long-term Human Stay | site |
They suggest that humans would need to find safety under the surface of the Moon
October 1, 2020 - - In a recently published article, Kiel University scientists contend that scientific measurements indicate that the surface of the Moon has too much radiation for long-term human habitation. They postulate that locations under the moon's surface would best protect humans from the excessive radiation exposure.
The scientists further observe that the moon does not have an atmosphere such as the Earth has. They say the Earth's atmosphere helps protect human beings from excessive radiation exposure.
A news release published by EurekAlert discusses the findings....10-01-2020, 05:26 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $15 Million to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Tribal Communities| site |
(May 28, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $15 million to 52 Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and other health services providers to Tribes across 20 states to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19 in rural tribal communities. “President Trump stands with Tribal nations across the country as they grapple with COVID-19 in rural communities,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today’s funding gives Tribes critical support to build up their capacity for fighting COVID-19, boost testing capabilities, increase purchases of PPE, and hire and pay the personnel they need.” These awards ...05-28-2020, 11:24 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 45-Day Compliance Deadline Extension for Providers| site |
(May 22, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing a 45 day deadline extension for providers who are receiving payments from the Provider Relief Fund to accept the Terms and Conditions for Provider Relief Fund payments. This announcement means providers have now been granted 90 days from the date they received a payment to accept HHS Terms and Conditions or return the funds. HHS, alongside other federal agencies, has been working day and night to support local communities and has taken action to help our healthcare system respond quickly and effectively to this pandemic. The department has kept an open line of communication with our heroic frontline providers and is being responsive to their request for ad...05-23-2020, 02:33 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services accepts Donations of Medicine to Strategic National Stockpile as Possible Treatments for COVID-19 Patients | site |
FDA issues emergency use authorization for donated hydroxychloroquine sulfate, chloroquine phosphate
(March 29, 2020) - - Today (March 29, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today accepted 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate donated by Sandoz, the Novartis generics and biosimilars division, and one million doses of chloroquine phosphate donated by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, for possible use in treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19 or for use in clinical trials. These and other companies may donate additional doses, and companies have ramped up production to provide additional supplies of the medication to the commercial market. “President Trump is ta...03-31-2020, 08:41 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Grants to Provide Meals for Older Adults | site |
(March 24, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health of Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information:
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing $250 million in grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help communities provide meals for older adults. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provided the additional funding for the nutrition services programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. These programs provide meals to more than 2.4 million older adults each year, both through home delivery and in places like community centers. The need for these services, particularly home-delivered and packaged meals, has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 have closed meal sites ...03-24-2020, 09:54 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $100 Million to Health Centers for COVID-19 Response | site |
(March 24, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $100 million to 1,381 health centers across the country with funding provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. HRSA-funded health centers may use the awards to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies and boost telehealth capacity in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On Friday, March 6, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, which provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the COVID...03-24-2020, 07:53 PM -
Health and Human Services and Department of Defense Coordinate International Airlift of COVID-19 Supplies | site |
(March 20, 2020) - - Today (March 20, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information: On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD) coordinated an emergency international airlift of 500,000 swabs and sample kits used in the COVID-19 testing process in an effort to increase diagnostic testing for Americans. Copan Diagnostics, Inc., located in Italy, recently informed U.S. government officials they were unable to ship their swabs and sample kits to distributors in the United States due to border closures and flight cancellations in Europe. Recognizing that the company is one of the major suppliers for the U.S. market for sample kits, and the risk this posed to creating a shortage of these critical supplies, the U.S. government took swift action. Sev...03-23-2020, 10:58 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Funds Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial for Potential Treatment for COVID-19 | site |
(March 21, 2020) - - Today (March 21, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
An antibody medicine being evaluated to treat severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will receive additional support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under an existing partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of Tarrytown, New York.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within ASPR will provide support for a U.S. Phase 2/3 clinical trial to evaluate Kevzara as a potential treatment for severely ill COVID-19 patients. Currently, Kevzara is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Kevzara was developed...03-23-2020, 07:06 PM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Announces Historic Expansion of Telehealth Access to Combat COVID-19| site |
(March 17, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information: On Tuesday, the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced unprecedented steps to expand Americans' access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Centers for Medicare & and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth visits, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced it will waive potential HIPAA penalties for good faith use of telehealth during the emergency, and the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) provided flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive beneficiary cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs. HHS Secretary Alex Azar released the following statement: "Thanks to the Public Health...03-18-2020, 01:58 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Supports Development of First High-Throughput COVID-19 Diagnostic Test| site |
(March 9, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
A diagnostic test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - designed for use in a diagnostic system that can process up to 1,000 tests in 24 hours - will receive advanced development support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The molecular diagnostic test from Hologic, Inc. becomes the first COVID-19 product selected for development through ASPR's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority streamlined selection process, called an easy broad agency announcement (EZ-BAA). "Early, rapid diagnosis is essential for clinicians and their patients to treat infections appropriately and take immediate acti...03-09-2020, 11:45 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Solicits Proposals for Development of Medical Products for Novel Coronavirus| site |
(March 6, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
As part of the government-wide effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in U.S. communities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated a broad agency announcement (BAA) to focus specifically on products to diagnose, prevent or treat coronavirus infections.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), issued the BAA, BAA-18-100-SOL-00003-Amendment 13, to solicit proposals for advanced development and licensure of COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines, or medicines such as therapeutics or antivirals. “Amid the expanding global outbreak of COVID-19, Americans n...03-07-2020, 10:19 PM -
COVID-19: Countries, Businesses must Safeguard Human Rights as Virus Spreads: Bachelet| site |
(March 7, 2020) - - On Friday, March 6, 2020 the United Nations (UN) published the following information:
COVID-19: Countries, Businesses must Safeguard Human Rights as Virus Spreads: Bachelet
As the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread globally, the UN’s top human rights official appealed on Friday to put rights “front and centre” when implementing preventative measures.
Liz Throssell, spokesperson in the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), said rights chief Michelle Bachelet, had noted “people who are already barely surviving economically, may all too easily be pushed over the edge by measures being adopted to contain the virus.”
Carbon emissions drop?
Meanwhile, as record temperatures continued in the northern hemisphere, the World Meteorological...03-07-2020, 01:48 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Initial Funding to Jurisdictions Supporting COVID-19 Response| site |
(March 4, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is announcing upcoming action to provide initial resources to a limited number of state and local jurisdictions in support of our nation’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “State and local governments are the backbone of our public health system. They have been essential partners in the ongoing work to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the United States,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “The Trump Administration is acting swiftly through every avenue we have to ensure state and local governments have the support they need to combat this outbreak.” “CDC is committed to wo...03-05-2020, 03:59 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Procure N95 Respirators to Support Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Outbreaks| site |
(March 4, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
As part of the government-wide efforts to respond to the global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services intends to purchase 500 million N95 respirators over the next 18 months for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). Through guaranteed orders, this acquisition encourages manufacturers to immediately increase production of N95s for use by health care professionals. These guaranteed orders offer reassurance to manufacturers that they will not be left with excess supplies if private sector orders are cancelled once the COVID-19 response subsides. Manufacturers typically avoid ramping up production without such a guarantee. Private secto...03-05-2020, 02:48 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Engages Sanofi’s Recombinant Technology for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Vaccine | site |
(February 18, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
Racing to develop a vaccine against the 2019 novel coronavirus, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response has engaged Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines global business unit of Sanofi. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a component of ASPR, will provide expertise and reallocated funds to support the vaccine’s development. Sanofi will use its egg-free, recombinant DNA platform to produce a recombinant 2019 novel coronavirus vaccine candidate. The technology produces an exact genetic match to proteins of the virus. The protein’s DNA will be combined with DNA from a virus harmless to human...02-18-2020, 09:07 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Janssen Collaborate To Develop Coronavirus Therapeutics| site |
(February 18, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information: As part of the rapid global response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will use an existing partnership with Janssen Research & Development, part of Johnson & Johnson, to help develop treatments for coronavirus infections. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of ASPR, will collaborate with Janssen to identify medicines that might be used safely and effectively to reduce the severity of illness and treat coronavirus infections. The company also will identify compounds that have antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 as an initial step in developing new ...02-18-2020, 08:24 PM -
Joint Statement by U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services On Repatriation of American Passengers from the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship| site |
(February 17, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson provided the following information: On February 16, the U.S. State Department facilitated the voluntary repatriation of over 300 U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who had been passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Passengers were evaluated by medical personnel from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and all were deemed asymptomatic and fit to fly before being processed for evacuation. During the evacuation process, after passengers had disembarked the ship and initiated transport to the airport, U.S. officials received notice that 14 passengers, who had been tested 2-3 days earlier, had tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals were ...02-17-2020, 02:37 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Janssen Join Forces on Coronavirus Vaccine | site |
(February 11, 2020) - - Today (February 11 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
To expedite development of vaccines that protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will expand an existing partnership with New Jersey-based Janssen Research & Development, part of Johnson & Johnson. Janssen and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a component of ASPR, will share research and development costs and expertise to help accelerate Janssen's investigational novel coronavirus vaccine into clinical evaluation. "When it comes to infectious diseases, vaccines are the backbone of the public health response," said BARDA Director Rick A. ...02-13-2020, 10:09 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Seeks Abstract Submissions for 2019-nCoV Diagnostics Development| site |
(February 5, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
As part of the U.S. government's ongoing public health response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the opening of an Easy Broad Agency Announcement (EZ-BAA) for development of 2019-nCoV diagnostics and is now accepting abstract submissions for potential funding.
Under this EZ BAA, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, will review concise abstract submissions for development funding of 2019-nCoV molecular diagnostics. The diagnostics must utilize platforms already cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,...02-06-2020, 11:08 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency for United States for 2019 Novel Coronavirus| site |
(January 31, 2020) - - Today (January 31, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to 2019 novel coronavirus. “While this virus poses a serious public health threat, the risk to the American public remains low at this time, and we are working to keep this risk low,” Secretary Azar said. “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all Americans, and this public health emergency declaration is the latest in the series of steps the Trump Administration has taken to protect our country.” The emergency declaration gives state, tribal, and local health departments more flexib...02-03-2020, 03:51 PM -
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Calls on Transportation Industry to "Put the Brakes on Human Trafficking"| site |
(January 28, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation published the following information:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced a series of efforts to combat human trafficking in the transportation sector. Secretary Chao was joined by leaders from Congress, state governments, and the transportation industry responding to this call to action.
“The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to working with our public and private partners to fight human trafficking on America’s transportation system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Among the initiatives announced by Secretary Chao is a renewed focus on the “Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking” pledge to train the transportation workforce and raise public awareness on the...01-30-2020, 09:59 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Statement on March for Life| site |
(January 23, 2020) - - Today (January 23, 2020), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
Secretary Azar Statement on March for Life
HHS Secretary Alex Azar released the following statement regarding the annual March for Life and the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to protect life and conscience: “As thousands from across the country gather to march for life, I am proud to serve as part of the most pro-life administration in this country’s history, and I am immensely proud to join President Trump at the march as he becomes the first President to address this important gathering in person. President Trump believes that every life has inherent dignity and value, and it is an honor to lead a department that has demonstrated our full commitment to protecting the dignity of life fro...01-27-2020, 12:53 PM -
Commemorating National Human Trafficking Awareness Day| site |
(January 11, 2020) - - Today (January 11, 2020), the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Martha Newton released the following statement recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. “On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, we reflect and act on the prevention of human trafficking, protection for its victims, and prosecution of its perpetrators. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a seminal piece of legislation that established human trafficking and related offenses as federal crimes. “As President Trump has proclaimed, ‘Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. It is not enough merely to denounce this horrific assault on human dignity; we must actively work to prevent and end this barbaric exploitation ...01-15-2020, 02:10 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advances Development of Tests to Distinguish Bacterial from Viral Infections across Multiple Healthcare Settings| site |
(November 14, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
A novel diagnostics technology that reads gene expression patterns in the immune system to distinguish bacterial infections from viral infections and determines the severity within minutes will receive advanced development support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The technology is being designed for use in outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), will support the advanced development of the new testing technology, known as host-response testing, under a 14-month, $6 million...11-16-2019, 12:51 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Releases “Here to Serve You” Educational Video in Spanish
(November 1, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released an educational video in Spanish to raise awareness within the Hispanic community about the work of OCR and to highlight important conscience and religious freedom rights protected by our federal laws. “Because respect for the conscience and religious freedom rights of patients and providers ensures diversity in healthcare, we are reaching out to the Spanish speaking community to foster greater understanding of the laws protecting our first freedoms,” said Roger Severino, OCR Director. In this video, Director Severino highlights the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division and describes the work of all of OCR’s divisions in order to help patien...11-03-2018, 12:59 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces the Official Opening of the Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center
(October 30, 2018) - - On Monday, October 29, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Eric Hargan, announced the official dedication of the Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) at an official opening ceremony in the Hubert H. Humphrey building. As part of October’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in coordination with the Administration’s rollout of the National Cyber Strategy, the opening underscores HHS’ commitment to support and improve the health sector’s cybersecurity defenses. “HHS is proud to work with the health community to better protect Americans’ health data and confidential information,” Deputy Secretary Hargan said. “Today’s announcement is a recognition of the impo...10-30-2018, 07:31 PM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency in US Territory Due to Super Typhoon Yutu
(October 25, 2018) - - Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar today declared a public health emergency in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory, due to damage from Super Typhoon Yutu. The declaration follows President Trump’s emergency declaration for the territory and gives the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs. “We are working closely with territory health authorities, the local hospital and other healthcare facilities to save lives and protect health after this catastrophic storm,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “This declaration will help ensure that our fellow Americans who rely on...10-27-2018, 07:25 AM -
U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor Announce Proposal to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Health Coverage
Washington, DC - - (October 23, 2018) - - The U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor today issued a proposed regulation that expands the usability of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). HRAs are designed to give working Americans and their families greater control over their healthcare by providing an additional way for employers to finance quality, affordable health insurance. This proposed regulation is in response to President Trump’s Executive Order on “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States,” and will benefit hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of workers and their families in the coming years. “Today’s proposed regulations will expand the availabilit...10-27-2018, 04:15 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Activates Aid for Uninsured Floridians Needing Medicine after Hurricane Michael
(October 18, 2018) - - Thousands of uninsured Floridians are eligible for no-cost replacements of critical medications lost or damaged by Hurricane Michael. This relief comes from the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The program pays for prescription medications for people without health insurance who are affected by disasters. More than 4,900 Florida pharmacies participate in EPAP, and more than 72,000 pharmacies participate nationwide. “The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program provides vital assistance to people without insurance who rely upon certain prescription medicines to protect their health after disa...10-23-2018, 04:46 AM -
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao Announces Appointees to Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking
Washington, DC - - (October 11, 2018) - - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the appointment of 15 members to DOT’s new Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. “Members of this committee have extensive experience in combatting human trafficking, and the Department looks forward to receiving their recommendations and reports,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The committee, required by the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, consists of stakeholders from trafficking advocacy organizations; law enforcement; and trucking, bus, rail, aviation, maritime, and port sectors, including industry and labor. The committee will submit recommendations to Secretary Chao by July 3, 2019, that include: • Strategies for i...10-18-2018, 12:41 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces $2.6 Million in Prizes to Redesign Dialysis as Part of KidneyX
(September 28, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) have committed $2,265,000 in prize money for “KidneyX: Redesign Dialysis,” a prize competition that challenges the public to develop better treatment options for patients with kidney failure. This prize competition is the first in a planned series of Kidney Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX) prize competitions designed to develop innovative solutions that can prevent, diagnose, and/or treat kidney diseases. “With this first prize, KidneyX: Redesign Dialysis, we are looking for solutions that completely disrupt the way kidney failure is currently treated,” said Ed Simcox, HHS Chief Technology Officer, “We are asking innovators like engine...10-05-2018, 02:20 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Selects Pilot Projects to Demonstrate Better Approach to Disaster Medical Care
(September 27, 2018) - - Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the following information:
In a disaster, thousands of Americans may require immediate medical specialty care, surpassing the care available in the community. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) today awarded two $3 million grants to demonstrate how a new Regional Disaster Health Response System could meet these needs, including trauma, burn or other specialty care, during a national emergency and save more lives. “Our nation faces real and serious threats that represent a looming risk to healthcare delivery,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Respons...10-01-2018, 11:03 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergencies in North Carolina and South Carolina Due to Hurricane Florence
(September 11, 2018) - - Following the lead of President Trump’s emergency declarations for North Carolina and South Carolina, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar today declared public health emergencies in the two states as Hurricane Florence continues its track toward the eastern seaboard. The declarations give HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs.
“Hurricane Florence is an intense storm and is predicted to be highly destructive, which poses a significant threat to the health and safety of those in its path,” Secretary...09-14-2018, 05:58 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Meets with Specialty and Patient Groups Regarding Drug Pricing
(August 16, 2018) - - On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar met with representatives of specialty-physician and patient groups to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to offer new tools for Medicare Advantage plans to negotiate lower drug prices for patients. The groups included the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, the American College of Rheumatology, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, and Patients for Affordable Drugs. Secretary Azar was joined by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Principal Deputy Administrator Demetrios Kouzoukas, Senior Advisor for Drug Pricing Reform Dan Best, and Advisor to the Secretary John O’Br...08-24-2018, 12:44 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $125 Million to Support Community Health Center Quality Improvement
(August 15, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $125 million in Quality Improvement grant awards to 1,352 community health centers across all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers will use these funds to continue to improve quality, efficiency, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the communities they serve. This announcement comes during National Health Center Week, the annual celebration that highlights the critical role community health centers play in providing high-quality, affordable, primary healthcare. “Community health centers provide coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-centered care to millions...08-21-2018, 09:25 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar Delivers ALEC Speech and Participates in Louisiana Healthcare Leaders Roundtable
(August 9, 2018) - - On Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar delivered remarks at the 45th American Legislative Exchange Council Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. His remarks focused on the Trump Administration’s commitment to working with and challenging states to improve healthcare. Here is a key excerpt from his speech: “From administering Medicaid programs to providing mental health services, retiree healthcare, and public health programs, states have a major role to play in running America’s healthcare system. But we don’t just want you administering our system as it stands today. This administration believes states should play a vital role in driving American healthcare forward.” Later in the ...08-15-2018, 08:14 PM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Statement on Passing of Former HHS Secretary Margaret Heckler
(August 7, 2018) - - U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement regarding the passing of Margaret Heckler, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1983 to 1985: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Margaret Heckler, former secretary of Health and Human Services. Secretary Heckler lived a full life in devotion to serving her country. Over 30 years ago, under her leadership, HHS took on a task that laid the foundation for improving the health of millions of Americans. In 1985, Heckler created the Task Force on Black and Minority Health, charging it with researching and analyzing ‘the impact of a broad range of behavioral, societal and healthcare...08-14-2018, 11:06 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Praises Trump Administration Expansion of Health Insurance Options
(June 19, 2018) - - HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement regarding the Department of Labor’s release of a final rule on the regulation of Association/Small Business Health Plans:
“This action by the Trump Administration will give more Americans access to affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage. Allowing small businesses and individuals to band together to offer new options is especially important because access to health insurance for employees of small businesses has narrowed over the years, including under the Affordable Care Act. We look forward to leading continued work across the Trump Administration to open up more options for affordable, accessible, private health coverage.”
Courtesy: U.S. Department...06-19-2018, 09:43 PM -
Statement by U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Hargan on Unaccompanied Alien Children Facilities
(June 17, 2018) - - Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan issued the following statement regarding the upcoming Congressional tours of the Unaccompanied Alien Children facilities: "We look forward to having several members of Congress tour HHS – funded Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) facilities in Texas and California today and tomorrow. Congress gave HHS the responsibility to care for these children and teenagers, and we take this legal mandate very seriously. It is our hope that as members tour the facilities they will see the facilities for what they are intended to provide: safe and healthy environments for children and teenagers to reside until such time as they can be released to an appropriate sponsor, while their immigration cases are adjudic...06-18-2018, 05:11 AM -
Overview of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar’s First Day of Participation at the 2018 World Health Assembly
Secretary Alex Azar
(May 22, 2018) - - Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar began his participation at the World Health Assembly (WHA) as head of the United States delegation by delivering remarks during a plenary session of the WHA. Speaking to representatives of the Member States, Secretary Azar laid out key priorities for the United States and the World Health Organization (WHO) and challenged the WHO to keep its focus on its primary mission of preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies. The Secretary’s remarks included:- An announcement of up to $7 million in additional assistance to go towards the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo – making the total U.S. commitment up to $8
05-23-2018, 07:17 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Partners to Develop New Treatment for Seizures Caused by Nerve Agents
(April 27, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information:
A new treatment for seizures that cannot be stopped with current medicines will be developed under an agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Proniras Corporation of Seattle, Washington. Uncontrollable seizures are a devastating result of exposure to nerve agents and can be deadly or lead to permanent brain damage.
“Nerve agents are the most toxic and rapidly acting of the known chemical warfare agents,” explained Rick Bright, Ph.D., director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a component of...05-04-2018, 08:04 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and Surgeon General Adams Praise Private Sector Support for Naloxone Advisory
(April 25, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the following information: Following the early April release of the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Naloxone and Opioid Overdose, which recommended that opioid treatment providers prescribe or dispense naloxone to patients with elevated risk of overdose, two naloxone manufacturers (Adapt Pharma and kaleo, Inc.) announced this week that they will be partnering with the National Council on Behavioral Health to distribute 30,000 doses of donated naloxone to National Council members. Upon the announcement, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar released the following statement: “Thousands of Americans are alive today thanks to the use of naloxone, and this week’s generous donation...04-30-2018, 09:03 PM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Announces Appointment of James Parker
(April 18, 2018) - - Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced that James Parker will serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Health Reform and Director of the Office of Health Reform at HHS. Mr. Parker will lead the initiative to address the cost and availability of health insurance. Upon this announcement, Secretary Azar said: “Jim Parker has spent his life working in the private sector to provide Americans access to quality, affordable health insurance. His knowledge and expertise will be vital to our work at HHS to ensure that Americans have access to insurance that meets their needs.” This follows the recent announcement of Daniel M. Best to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Drug Pricing Reform and Brett Giroir, M.D., to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretar...04-23-2018, 05:39 AM -
U.S. Treasury says it has Sanctioned a Syria-based Transnational Human Smuggling Organization
Treasury says organization is involved in smuggling migrants to the United States
Washington, DC - - (April 18, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Syrian national Nasif Barakat and the Barakat Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) pursuant to Executive Order 13581, “Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations.” The Barakat TCO is a human smuggling organization based in Homs, Syria, that facilitates the smuggling of Syrian and Lebanese nationals to the United States border using a variety of travel routes. Since 2013, the Barakat TCO has facilitated the smuggling of hundreds of individuals to the Southwest border of the United States. Nasif Barakat is being designated for materially assisting,...04-19-2018, 02:57 AM -
April 16th Update from the Department of Health and Human Services
(April 16, 2018) - - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statement: Earlier today, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex M. Azar II, was discharged from St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana after he was admitted yesterday for treatment of a minor infection. The Secretary has been fully functional during his brief period of observation and has been in regular contact with HHS senior leadership. He will be back in the office tomorrow in Washington, D.C. The Secretary and his family thank everyone for their concerns and well wishes. They are extremely grateful for the incredible doctors and nurses who provided him with excellent care during his one-night stay at St. Vincent’s. This serves as an update following yesterday’s statement which can be read at ...04-17-2018, 08:32 AM -
Update from the Department of Health and Human Services
(April 15, 2018) - - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statement:
Earlier this evening the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex M. Azar II, was treated with intravenous antibiotics for a minor infection. Out of an abundance of caution he has been admitted to a hospital for observation.
Courtesy: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
04-17-2018, 08:13 AM -
Department of Health and Human Services Sponsors its Largest Exercise for Moving Patients with Highly Infectious Diseases
(April 10, 2018) - - The largest patient movement exercise in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ history began today to test the nationwide ability to move patients with highly infectious diseases safely and securely to regional treatment centers.
“Saving lives during crises requires preparation and training,” explained HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, M.D. “A tremendous amount of coordination, synchronization, and skill is needed to move patients with highly infectious diseases safely. We have to protect the patients and the healthcare workers caring for those patients. This type of exercise helps ensure that everyone involved is ready for that level of complexity.”...
Dr. Kadle04-12-2018, 09:57 AM -
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Announces Appointments to Advance Department Priorities
April 4, 2018
(March 29, 2018) - - On Thursday, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced the appointment of two individuals to lead initiatives in areas he has identified as priorities for the Department. Secretary Azar has previously identified four initiatives for his transformation agenda: combating the opioid crisis; bringing down the high cost of prescription drugs; addressing the cost and availability of health insurance; and transforming our healthcare system to a value-based system. The individuals who will be taking key roles on opioids and prescription drug pricing are:- Daniel M. Best will be Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Drug Pricing Reform. Mr. Best will lead the initiative to lower the high price of prescription drugs.
- Brett Giroir, M.D., will, in addition to his
04-04-2018, 09:31 AM -
Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary McCance-Katz’s Visit to Prestera Center
March 21, 2018
(March 20, 2018) - - U.S. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz traveled on Monday to Charleston, West Virginia, to visit Prestera Center, a behavioral health and substance abuse service provider, to hear from individuals affected by the opioid crisis. Assistant Secretary McCance-Katz toured Prestera Center with West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch before participating in a roundtable with individuals who have been affected by the crisis, including three Prestera clients. The roundtable was led by Prestera Center CEO, Karen Yost, and included West Virginia Health Secretary Crouch; Dana Petroff, Prestera’s Director of Addiction Services; Chad Napier, ...03-21-2018, 10:23 AM -
Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Hargan Visits Puerto Rico
Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2018) - - On March 15, 2018 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided the following information concerning HHS's Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan's trip to Puerto Rico: Yesterday, approximately six months after landfall of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan traveled to Puerto Rico as part of the Trump Administration’s continued government-wide recovery efforts. His visit follows HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s renewal of the Public Health Emergency for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, signed on Tuesday of this week. First in Puerto Rico, Deputy Secretary Hargan met with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leadership and HHS employees co-located at the Joint Federal Office (JFO). Here, he was briefed by...03-17-2018, 08:08 AM -
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price Statement on President’s Budget Blueprint
Washington, DC - - (March 16, 2017) - - Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, M.D., released the following statement today after the release of the President’s budget blueprint. "HHS is dedicated to fulfilling our department’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the American people. This budget supports that mission and will help ensure we are delivering critical services to our fellow citizens in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Part of that support involves a robust commitment to preventing waste, fraud and abuse across the department, particularly within the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We want to be sure that beneficiaries, who rely on these programs, receive the highest level of quality, accessibility, and choices. It also necessitates a streamlining of activities at our agencies to ensure we are prov...03-27-2017, 02:33 AM -
Statement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Price on President Trump’s Address to Congress
(February 28, 2017)
Tonight, President Trump reassured the American people that help is on the way for those who are suffering as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The President called on Congress to repeal the law and replace it with reforms that will expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans. This message of relief and empowering Americans through patient-centered solutions stands in stark contrast to the defense of the status quo we unfortunately continue to hear from others. President Trump fully appreciates the dire state of our nation’s healthcare system as costs skyrocket and we see fewer choices. He understands that many Americans may have ‘coverage,’ but they don’t have care. As Secretary of HHS, I’m proud to work with President Trump and Congress to return healthcare decisions t...03-01-2017, 08:49 PM -
All human beings have value.
Always protect human life. Do no harm.02-22-2017, 01:39 AM -
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Arrests Nearly 2,000 Human Traffickers in 2016, Identifies over 400 Victims Across the US
January 23, 2017
Washington, DC - - (January 23, 2017) - - In Fiscal Year 2016, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested 1,952 individuals for human trafficking – the illegal trade and exploitation of people for commercial gain, most commonly in the form of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. From those cases, over 400 trafficking victims were identified and offered critical services.
This year marks the seventh anniversary of January as National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention month. ICE participates in a variety of human trafficking awareness events in January and throughout the year.
“HSI special agents work tirelessly to disrupt criminal trafficking networks, and just as importantly, to assist...01-23-2017, 03:42 PM