U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (pronounced as U-S Department of Health and Human Services), often abbreviated as HHS, is a department of the Federal government of the United States that is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.

Etymology

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was established in 1953 as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). The name was changed to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 1979, when its education functions were transferred to the newly created U.S. Department of Education.

Related Terms

Public health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.
Medicare (United States): A national health insurance program in the United States, begun in 1966 under the Social Security Administration and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The national public health institute of the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services.
Food and Drug Administration: A federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, cosmetics, animal foods & feed, and veterinary products.