United States Secretary of Health and Human Services

Flag of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare

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United States Secretary of Health and Human Services is a Cabinet-level position in the federal government of the United States. The Secretary is the head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), concerned with health matters and is responsible for overseeing the various agencies and offices that make up HHS, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Role and Responsibilities

The Secretary of Health and Human Services advises the President of the United States on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. The Secretary is responsible for administering and overseeing the implementation of health and human services policies, conducting health research, and ensuring the enforcement of health and human services laws. This includes managing Medicare and Medicaid services, which are critical components of the nation's healthcare system.

History

The position was originally created as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1953, during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1979, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized under President Jimmy Carter, and the Department of Health and Human Services was created, with the Secretary's role being focused solely on health and human services.

Appointment

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is appointed by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the United States Senate. The Secretary is a member of the President's Cabinet and is in the line of succession to the presidency.

Notable Secretaries

Over the years, several notable individuals have served as Secretary of Health and Human Services, including:

• Donna Shalala, who served under President Bill Clinton and was one of the longest-serving Secretaries of Health and Human Services.
• Tommy Thompson, who served under President George W. Bush and was known for his efforts in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• Kathleen Sebelius, who served under President Barack Obama and played a significant role in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Current Secretary

As of the last update of this article, the current United States Secretary of Health and Human Services is [Name], who was appointed by [President's Name]. The Secretary continues to play a crucial role in addressing health crises, including the ongoing efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

See Also

• Cabinet of the United States
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Medicare
• Medicaid