Department Of Health And Human Services Essay

What is the Department of Health and Human Services?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) is a federal government agency tasked with protecting health and providing basic human services. This department separated from the Department of Education in 1979. Below introduces this important department and explains how their services help Americans every day.
http://www.hhs.gov/
The History of the Department of Health and Human Services
The Federal Security Agency (FSA) was established in the 1940’s and included a Public Health Service (PHS) department. After World War II, major program changes resulted in expanded services and stronger legislation. After the separate of the Education and Health and Human Services departments, the HSS become an independent agency. In fact, special agents who work for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) are empowered to investigate crimes for the HSS. These special agents typically investigate white collar crime, such as Medicare fraud.
What Careers are Available at the Department of Health and Human Services?

Since the HSS covers a broad array of programs and agencies, there are many types of available careers.

An HSS employee could work at a Self Sufficiency branch as a Human Service Specialist that interviews and provides SNAP and health care benefits to eligible families. An HSS employee could also work at the CDC to research possible vaccinations for new infectious diseases. Still, an HSS employee could be a Community Outreach Specialist who spends their time working with community, religious and non-profit organizations to provide critical human service solutions for foster children or homeless people. Regardless of the job choice, a career at HSS is a rewarding journey that will improve the safety, health and quality of life people in the

community.
http://www.hhs.gov/about/careers/index.html
Department of Health and Human Services Programs
The HSS oversees over 100 programs across the country. Each program provides vital services to Americans from every walk of life. For example, the HSS supports and engages in health research and disease prevention. They assist health care organizations with health information technology adoption. They provide financial assistance to low-income families. Their Head Start program provides free preschool and daycare for eligible families. They also work to eradicate social problems, such as child abuse and domestic violence. They seek to prevent substance abuse addiction and support treatment centers.
What are the Operating Divisions of the HSS?
The Department of Health and Human Services is actually a complex group of eight public health service and three human service agencies. The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) promotes the social and economic health through programs and community partnerships. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is tasked with supporting older people and those with disabilities. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a relatively unknown agency that engages in healthcare research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the most well-known agencies that continually protects public health and responds to public health emergencies. Another equally well known branch, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is charged with ensuring food, drugs and medical devices are safe. Lastly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports scientific research. One of the least known agencies is the Indian Health Service (HIS), which provides Native Americans with health care services.
http://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/operating-divisions/index.html
Overall, the Department of Health and Human Services is a large body of separate agencies that all work together to promote the health and wellbeing of Americans. There are many rewarding careers available at the HSS. The Department of Health and Human Services keeps people safe and healthy.