United States Department of Health and Human Services

Skip Navigation

Email Updates Font Size Print Download Reader

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."

-- HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Read the Secretary's Remarks to the Council on Foundations
Read Biography
View First Day Slideshow

Watch the PlanFirst Webcast on H1N1 Flu

Captioned Version

If you see a red box in the place of the view player, please install the latest version of Flash from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer.

HHS Secretary Sebelius, DHS Secretary Napolitano, and Acting Director of CDC Dr. Besser hosted a Webcast to answer questions from the American people regarding the H1N1 flu. Learn more facts to help Prevent the Flu.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Investigation

Swine Flu Info

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.

As with any infectious disease, CDC recommends that people should take everyday preventive actions.

Read the WHO report.

Public Health Emergency declared nationwide involving Swine Influenza A. Press Release

Questions and Answers on H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Health Reform

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.

Learn more at www.HealthReform.gov
State Your Support for Health Reform this year
Read Helping the Bottom Line: Health Reform and Small Business
Read the Costs of Inaction
Read Hard Times in the Heartland: Health Care and Rural America

News

May 5, 2009
Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and by Acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser Regarding the Change in CDC's School and Child Care Closure Guidance

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Richard Besser announced new CDC guidance on closure of schools and child care facilities where there has been reported cases of the novel H1N1 flu virus. More...

May 4, 2009
HHS Releases New Report: Hard Times in the Heartland: Health Care in Rural America

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new report, Hard Times in the Heartland: Health Care in Rural America, outlining the health care challenges facing rural communities. More...

More news

HHS Family of Agencies

Show Details

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.

OS - Office of the Secretary

ACF - Administration for Children & Families

AoA - Administration on Aging

AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality

ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry

CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

CMS - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

FDA - Food & Drug Administration

HRSA - Health Resources & Services Administration

IHS - Indian Health Service

NIH - National Institutes of Health

OIG- Office of Inspector General

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Watch, Listen, Subscribe

Show Details

Browse our audio and video libraries. Get updates via RSS and e-mail.

	Podcasts/Webcasts Select from the following libraries of curently available podcasts AIDS.gov Podcast AHRQ Healthcare 411 CDC Podcasts CMS Media Conferences FDA Drug Safety FDA Patient Safety News HHS Health Beat Tip NIH Research Radio
	RSS View a library of all available HHS RSS feeds; learn about RSS, and subscribe to feeds of interest. All HHS RSS Feeds List PandemicFlu.gov News PandemicFlu.gov Site Updates

	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.
	Mailing Lists/Email Updates Each of the following allow you to automatically receive updates when new content is posted. AHRQ Email Updates CDC Email Updates CMS Email Updates FDA Email Lists HHS Email Updates HRSA Updates IHS LISTSERV® SAMHSA eNetwork

Of Interest: Spring Storms

tornado 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.

Previous "Of Interest"

FDA Product Recalls

Pistachios

Peanut-Containing Products

HHS Progress Report

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