U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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Recent News About U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acknowledged a cyber incident involving Ascension Health. The department is currently in communication with Ascension Leadership to understand their efforts aimed at minimizing any disruptions to patient care caused by the incident.
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The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children has released the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan, providing a comprehensive update on the government's progress since 2018 in reducing childhood lead exposures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are spearheading these efforts as co-leading members of the Task Force’s Lead Exposures Subcommittee.
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The Biden-Harris Administration continues to build on progress made tackling sickle cell disease (SCD), recently holding a virtual panel to discuss SCD treatment, policy milestones, and future goals. The panel, hosted in observance of National Minority Health Month, by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also highlighted SCD leaders who fostered advances in SCD treatment and delivery of care, their achievements, and new policy priorities and objectives.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a final rule to establish federal regulations for Adult Protective Services (APS) with the aim of enhancing the quality and consistency of APS services nationwide. The rule, introduced by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), is designed to elevate APS standards and ensure uniformity in services provided across states.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health has revealed the winners of the final phase of the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition. The competition aimed to identify and reward innovative programs ensuring women with hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum periods receive appropriate monitoring and follow-up.Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine emphasized the importance of recognizing programs addressing hypertension during pregnancy, stating, "By recognizing innovative programs addressing hypertension...
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury, along with other key departments, has released the annual Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports following a meeting of the respective boards. The reports provide valuable insights into the financial health and future outlook of these crucial programs.Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen emphasized the importance of Social Security and Medicare, stating, “Seniors spent a lifetime working to earn the benefits they receive, and the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to oppose cuts to either program.”Acting Secretary...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the success of its COVID-19 Vaccination Public Education Campaign, "We Can Do This," which has been credited with saving thousands of lives and billions of dollars. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the campaign resulted in an estimated $731.9 billion in societal benefits, with a return of nearly $90 for every $1 spent.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed pride in the campaign's impact, stating, "We now have research to confirm the COVID-19 Public Education...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Biden-Harris Administration, has finalized a rule aimed at increasing access to health care for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The rule allows DACA recipients to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, or for coverage through a Basic Health Program (BHP). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this change is expected to result in around 100,000 previously uninsured DACA recipients gaining health...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released new data showing that over 10 million people with Medicare Part D received a free vaccine in 2023, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. This marked a significant increase from just 3.4 million people receiving covered vaccines in 2021.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the positive impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, stating, “Free vaccines are life changing and lifesaving for millions of Americans’ health and their wallets. While the ongoing first-ever negotiations are making history, we will also...
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HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra reiterated his commitment to addressing homelessness among youth and young adults during the second quarterly meeting of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) held on May 1. Becerra, speaking at the meeting, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government strategy to tackle homelessness, stating, "For the last three years, we’ve been working around the clock to advance a whole-of-government strategy to address homelessness. At HHS, we know – and the research shows – that homelessness and other forms of housing...
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced significant funding opportunities to address the overdose crisis in the United States. The 2024 State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Notices of Funding Opportunity provide up to $1.48 billion to states, territories, and the District of Columbia, and $63 million to Tribes.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “State and Tribal Opioid Response grants provide...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released statements to mark this year's World Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to address mental health issues with empathy and unity, fostering hope among those affected.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of mental health in a statement released for World Mental Health Awareness Month 2024. He stated, “Mental health is an essential component of overall wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Many individuals and communities are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Now, more than ever, we need accessible mental health resources and support systems for all because mental health is health. Period."Secretary Becerra highlighted the...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has recently finalized a rule aimed at enhancing protections against disability discrimination. Titled "Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities," this rule is a significant step towards advancing equity and bolstering safeguards for individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the significance of this rule, stating, “This rule strengthens the protections...
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has released a statement in recognition of Older Americans Month. Becerra highlighted the importance of honoring the contributions of older adults, emphasizing their role in strengthening communities through various means.According to Becerra, Older Americans Month serves as a platform to acknowledge the dedication of older adults to their families, their mentorship of younger generations, and their active participation in volunteerism and civic engagement. He emphasized the theme for this year,...
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HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra released a statement on National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, emphasizing the progress made in advancing the health and well-being of these communities. Becerra highlighted the Department of Health and Human Services' dedication to equity and inclusivity through various initiatives, such as expanding healthcare access and investing in behavioral health services, including the recent launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.In his statement, Becerra expressed solidarity with AA and NHPI...
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An Oklahoma-based multi-facility nursing care organization has settled a case with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The case revolved around ensuring patients' access to health records, as stipulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Right of Access provision.
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The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health has declared that 80 health organizations have penned a letter to Congress, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and conservation in farm policy. The letter also outlines opportunities for lawmakers to enhance health equity and address the climate crisis.
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Michigan has become the first state to implement separate licensing standards for kin caregivers, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. This approval follows a similar move by the Salt River Pima Tribe in Arizona.
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A recent study by the Lown Institute reveals that 80% of nonprofit hospitals contribute less to their communities than they receive in estimated tax benefits. In some cases, the difference amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars.