Kathleen Sebelius Sworn In as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
"It is an honor to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at such a pivotal moment in our history. I come to the Department as our nation confronts a serious public health challenge, the 2009 flu outbreak. My heart goes out to the families across the country and around the world who are feeling the impact of this health crisis.
In the coming days, I will work closely with President Obama and officials from across the government as we address this threat. I also want to recognize the dedicated staff at HHS for the work they are doing to protect public health and inform the American people about this crisis."
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HHS Secretary Sebelius and DHS Secretary Napolitano hosted a Webcast to answer questions from the American people regarding the H1N1 flu. They were joined by Acting Director of CDC, Dr. Besser.
2009 Flu Investigation
The CDC is actively investigating human cases of influenza A (H1N1) in several states and is working closely with Canada, Mexico and the World Health Organization. The CDC is continuously updating its investigation information.
President Obama is committed to working with Congress to pass comprehensive health reform this year in order to control rising health care costs, guarantee choice of doctor, and assure high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
April 27, 2009 FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Influenza Medicines, Diagnostic Test in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak in Humans
Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) have been issued to make available to public health and medical personnel important diagnostic and therapeutic tools to identify and respond to the swine flu virus under certain circumstances. More...
April 26, 2009 HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu
HHS issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration today in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered swine influenza A (swine flu) virus. More...
The Department of Health and Human Services is the principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans. It is comprised of the Office of the Secretary and 11 operating divisions.
Videos Food Safety: Select from a library of FDA videos on the subject of food safety. Senior Health: Select from a library of NIH videos on the subject of senior health. Smoking and Tobacco: Select from a library of CDC videos on the subject of smoking and tobacco use.
April showers bring May flowers. Sometimes those showers are not gentle rain, but thunderous and deadly storms. Whatever spring weather comes your way, be sure you are prepared to weather the storm.
Tornadoes — When there are thunderstorms in your area, listen for announcements of a tornado watch or warning and know what to do when a tornadoes strikes.
Floods — You may have to evacuate if your area floods. Be prepared and watch for information from your local authorities.
Wildfires — Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly. Reduce your risk by preparing now — and practicing wildfire safety.
Learn more about preparing for and responding to Severe Weather.
The Department of Health and Human Services today released a comprehensive report on the Department's progress over the first 100 days of the Obama Administration. The report highlights the Department's work to quickly and carefully distribute Recovery Act funding, their collaboration with the White House on health reform and efforts across the department to improve efficiency, innovation, accountability, and transparency in its programs. View Progress Report
Recovery Act
Learn about the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) at HHS.
New Law Makes Millions of Children Eligible for Health Insurance
A new law signed by President Obama reauthorizes the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and provides funding to extend free or low cost insurance to millions of uninsured children.