U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Profiles

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States technical agency for human health, disease surveillance, and the public health response to emergencies and disasters.

HHS executes its mission through a variety of operating divisions including:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

HHS’ Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs hosts ten Regional Offices that directly serve state and local organizations, to ensure the Department maintains close contact with state, local and tribal partners and addresses the needs of communities and individuals served through HHS programs and policies.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) manages the procurement and advanced development of medical countermeasures for CBRN threats, pandemic influenza and other emerging infectious diseases.

HHS employees number approximately 76,000. The department is responsible for almost a quarter of all federal outlays and administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined. The FY2015 budget request for HHS is $940.9 billion.