Introduction
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a federal agency within the United States government. Its mission is to provide leadership in protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS is made up of 11 operating divisions that include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
But who is responsible for leading this important department? In this article, we’ll explore who heads the Department of Health and Human Services and how their role impacts our lives.
The Person Responsible for Leading the Department of Health and Human Services
The person responsible for leading the Department of Health and Human Services is the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The current Secretary is Alex Azar, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2017. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Azar served as the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2005 to 2007 under President George W. Bush.
The role of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is to serve as the chief executive of the agency, overseeing the activities of its 11 operating divisions. The Secretary is also responsible for managing a budget of over $1 trillion, which funds programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act.
How the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Impacts Our Lives
As the leader of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Secretary has a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans. From setting policies and regulations to developing strategies to address public health issues, the Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring that the American public has access to quality health care.
To understand the impact of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on our lives, it’s important to take a look at their career path. Many Secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Services have come from backgrounds in law, medicine, or public service. For example, former Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had a long career in public service before being appointed as Secretary in 2009. During her tenure, she worked to expand access to health care through the Affordable Care Act and other initiatives.
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is also responsible for developing and implementing policies that affect the health and wellbeing of the American people. This includes initiatives to reduce healthcare costs, improve access to mental health services, and combat opioid abuse. The Secretary also works closely with Congress to ensure that the Department is properly funded and supported.
In addition, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services works closely with state and local governments to ensure that they have the resources they need to address public health issues in their communities. This includes providing funding for research and development, as well as technical assistance.
“The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is an important leader in the effort to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of all Americans,” said Dr. Mark McClellan, former Commissioner of the FDA and Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
Conclusion
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services plays an integral role in the lives of millions of Americans. From setting policies and regulations to developing strategies to address public health issues, the Secretary has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the American public. By working closely with Congress, state and local governments, and other stakeholders, the Secretary is able to ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services is properly funded and supported.
The current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is Alex Azar, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2017. With his background in law and medicine, he is uniquely qualified to lead the agency and ensure that the American public has access to quality health care.
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