The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
works to accomplish our mission through the separate and collaborative
efforts of our operating divisions and staff offices within the
Office of the Secretary (OS):
Administration on Aging (AoA) serves as the primary
federal focal point and advocacy agent for older Americans. Through
a network of state and area agencies on aging, AoA funded programs
deliver comprehensive in-home and community services and make
legal services, counseling, and ombudsmen programs available to
elderly Americans.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
leads the nation in improving the economic and social well-being
of families, children, and communities though federal grant programs
like Head Start, Child Support Enforcement, Child Welfare Services,
Child Care and Development, and Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
provides evidence-based information on health care outcomes; quality;
and cost, use, and access. Information from AHRQ’s research helps
people make more informed decisions and improves the quality of
health care services. AHRQ was formerly known as the Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR) prevents exposure and adverse human health effects and
diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources
of pollution present in the environment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
monitors health; detects and investigates public health problems;
provides credible health information; conducts research; strengthens
national preparedness for terrorism; fosters safe and healthy
environments; provides leadership and training; and develops and
advocates sound public health policies to prevent and control
disease, injury, and disability.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
pays Medicare benefits; provides states with matching funds for
Medicaid benefits and funds for the State Children’s Health Insurance
Program; conducts research, demonstrations, and oversight to ensure
the safety and quality of medical services, facilities and laboratories
serving beneficiaries; and establishes rules for eligibility and
benefit payments.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) promotes improvement
in the health of the American public by ensuring the effectiveness
and/or safety of drugs, medical devices, biological products,
food, and cosmetics and by encouraging the active participation
of business and the public in managing the health hazards associated
with these products.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
promotes equitable access to comprehensive, quality health care
for all, with a particular focus on underserved and vulnerable
populations.
Indian Health Service (IHS) provides comprehensive
health services for American Indian and Alaska Native people,
with opportunity for maximum tribal involvement in developing
and managing programs to improve health status and overall quality
of life.
National Institutes of Health (NIH), through
its 27 institutes and centers, supports and conducts biomedical
and behavioral research, domestically and abroad, into the causes,
diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of diseases and
promotes the acquisition and dissemination of medical knowledge
to health professionals and the public.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) supports states and communities in building resilience
and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for substance
abuse and mental illness through grant programs, policy guidance,
information dissemination, data collection and reporting, evaluation,
and technical assistance.
Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management
(ASAM) advises the Secretary on all aspects of administration
and human resource management.
Assistant Secretary for Budget, Technology, and Finance
(ASBTF) provides general oversight and direction of the
administrative and financial organizations and activities of the
Department, including production of the Department’s financial
statements and the annual performance plan and report under the
Government Performance and Results Act. ASBTF is the Department
coordinator for the President’s Management Agenda e-Government
Initiatives, and pursues the advancement of the HHS mission through
effective use of information technology solutions and services.
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
provides information to the public about HHS programs and activities.
ASPA coordinates media relations as well as health and other public
service information campaigns throughout the Department. ASPA
also manages the Freedom of Information process for the Department.
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
(ASPE) provides policy analysis and advice; guides the formulation
of legislation; coordinates strategic and implementation planning;
conducts regulatory analysis and reviews regulations; oversees
the planning of evaluation, non-biomedical research, and major
statistical activities; and administers evaluation, data collection,
and research projects that provide information needed for HHS
policy development. ASPE manages the development, periodic updates,
and follow-up and tracking of the HHS Strategic Plan.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation
(ASL) provides advice to the Secretary and the Department on congressional
legislation and facilitates communication between the Department
and Congress. The Office informs the Congress of Departmental
priorities, actions, grants, and contracts.
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) promotes and ensures
that people have equal access to and opportunity to participate
in and receive services in all HHS programs without facing unlawful
discrimination. Through prevention and elimination of unlawful
discrimination, the Office for Civil Rights helps HHS carry out
its overall mission of improving the health and well-being of
all people affected by its many programs.
Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the legal
team for HHS, and provides quality representation and legal advice
on a wide range of national issues. The OGC team writes and reviews
proposed regulations and legislation affecting significant issues
of health and human services.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) improves HHS
programs and operations and protects them against fraud, waste,
and abuse. By conducting independent and objective audits, evaluations,
and investigations OIG provides timely, useful, and reliable information
and advice to Department officials, the Administration, the Congress,
and the public.
Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) provides
senior professional leadership across HHS on population-based
public health and clinical preventive services by providing scientifically
sound advice on health and health policy to the Secretary, Departmental
officials and other governmental entities and communicating on
health issues directly to the American public; conducting essential
public health activities through eleven program offices, and providing
professional leadership on cross-cutting Departmental public health
and science initiatives.
Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP)
provides advice to the Secretary and leadership on matters related
to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The OPHEP
directs the department’s emergency response activities. The office
also coordinates interagency activities between HHS, other federal
departments, agencies, offices, and State and local officials
responsible for emergency preparedness and the protection of the
civilian population from acts of bioterrorism and other public
health emergencies.
