U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:This is the main federal agency tasked with safeguarding the health of all citizens and providing essential human services, particularly for those who are unable to assist themselves. Referred to as HHS, the agency has two main types of operating divisions: the Human Services and the Public Health Service Operating Divisions.The Public Health Service Operating Divisions include:- The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is renowned as the leading medical research institution globally. It funds around 35,000 research projects across the nation focusing on illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart diseases. NIH comprises 17 distinct health institutes, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Human Genome Research Institute. Founded in 1887 as the Hygienic Laboratory in Staten Island, NY, its headquarters are in Bethesda, MD.- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures the safety of food and cosmetics and the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biological products, and medical devices. These products account for a quarter of every dollar spent by U.S. consumers. Established in 1906, the FDA is headquartered in Rockville, MD.- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates with state and other partners to deliver health surveillance systems to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain national health statistics. It protects against international disease transmission, with personnel located in over 25 countries. CDC also supports research into disease and injury prevention. Founded in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center, its headquarters are in Atlanta, GA.- The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) works alongside states and federal entities to prevent exposure to hazardous substances at waste sites. It performs public health assessments, health studies, surveillance, and health education training in communities near sites listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List. The ATSDR has developed toxicological profiles for hazardous chemicals found at these sites. Established in 1980, its headquarters are in Atlanta, GA.- The Indian Health Service (IHS) operates 37 hospitals, 60 health centers, 3 school health centers, and 46 health stations, and supports 34 urban Indian health centers. It serves nearly 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 557 Federally recognized tribes. The service employs about 14,500 staff, with an additional tribal and urban Indian health workforce of around 10,000. Annually, there are approximately 90,000 hospital admissions, 7 million outpatient visits, 4 million community health representative client contacts, and 2.4 million dental services provided. Established in 1924, with its mission transferred from the Interior Department in 1955, its headquarters are in Rockville, MD.- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides health resources to medically underserved populations through a network of 643 community and migrant health centers and 144 primary care programs for the homeless and public housing residents. Annually, it serves 8.1 million Americans. HRSA also works on building the healthcare workforce and oversees the National Health Service Corps. It provides services to individuals with AIDS via the Ryan White CARE Act programs and manages the organ transplantation system. The agency is also involved in reducing infant mortality. Established in 1982 by consolidating several existing programs, HRSA has its headquarters in Rockville, MD.- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services. It provides funding through block grants to states, benefiting over 340,000 Americans with serious substance abuse issues. SAMHSA also works to improve substance abuse treatment through its Knowledge Development and Applications grant program and monitors substance abuse and mental illness trends. Established in 1992, following its predecessor, the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration founded in 1974, its headquarters are in Rockville, MD.- The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) supports research to reduce healthcare costs, assess healthcare quality, and examine the effectiveness of medical treatments. Founded in 1989, its headquarters are in Rockville, MD.
