Secretary of Health and Human Services - U.S. Government Series

This page tells all about the duties, roles, and requirements of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Department of Health and Human Services. It is part of our United States Government series.

Department of Helath and Human Services Seal

Department of Health and Human Services Seal

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The Secretary of Health and Human Services is the top official in the Department of Health and Human Services. Primary duties include advising the president of health conditions in America, managing welfare, benefits programs (such as the Social Security program), and income security matters, to carry out approved programs and to educate the public about the department’s goals. A recent program established by the department in 2002 was entitled Healthy People 2010, an initiative designed to improve the overall health of Americans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutors of Health (NIH) are among agencies that fall under the department.