How the Department of Health and Human Services is Improving Public Health
Under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the nation is taking significant strides towards improving public health and well-being. With the responsibility of overseeing the most critical healthcare issues in the country, the department has initiated several campaigns and programs focused on enhancing the standard of healthcare services. Below are some of the ways in which HHS is positively affecting the nation’s health:
1. Affordable Healthcare
Being able to access affordable healthcare services is crucial to public health. HHS took a significant step towards this in March 2010 by passing the Affordable Care Act. This program has made healthcare more affordable and ensured that all American citizens have access to the necessary medical services. The uninsured rate in the United States has remarkably dropped from 16% in 2010 to only 8.9% as of 2019, indicating the success of this initiative.
2. Safer Food Supply
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency under HHS, is responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply. FDA is continuously improving its food safety standards by monitoring and testing food samples to identify and control any potential risks that may pose a danger to public health.
3. Opioid Crisis Response
The opioid crisis has become a significant threat to public health and well-being in America. HHS has responded to this epidemic by launching an aggressive campaign aimed at reducing overdose deaths and preventing opioid addiction. This comprehensive plan involves improving access to treatment, supplying naloxone to emergency responders, and equipping healthcare providers with the necessary training and information to tackle opioid-related cases.
4. Mental Health Services Improvement
Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. HHS has made significant efforts to improve mental health care services and expand access to these services. The department implemented a program that aimed to bridge the gap between behavioral health and primary care to provide more integrated services.
5. Preventing Chronic Diseases
HHS is committed to preventing chronic diseases by educating the public on healthy living, early diagnosis, and prevention methods. The department runs several initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Conclusion
HHS continues to drive initiatives and programs aimed at improving public health and ensuring that all American citizens can access quality healthcare services. Through campaigns such as the Affordable Care Act, the department is making great strides in ensuring more people have access to the necessary medical services. In addition, HHS is taking measures to mitigate the spread of diseases, improve the safety of the food supply chain, tackle epidemics such as the opioid crisis, and improve mental health services and support. The initiatives outlined in this article demonstrate HHS’s commitment to improving public health and well-being for all Americans.
