Discover the Unseen: Top 12 Surprising & Fun Facts About the Department of Health and Human Services

1. HHS: More Flavors than Baskin-Robbins!

Hold onto your doctors, nurses, and ice cream scoopers! The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has more flavors than your local Baskin-Robbins: Serving up a healthy medley of agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that make sure Americans get the best care and protection from health hazards.
Source => ballotpedia.org

2. HHS: The Epicenter of Scientific Prowess!

Roll up your sleeves and grab your lab coats, folks: We're venturing into the epicenter of scientific prowess and brainy breakthroughs! 🧠💡 Behold the Department of Health and Human Services, which helms the mighty National Institutes of Health—the world's largest biomedical research agency: Their gallant quest involves supporting and conducting life-saving research that spans from curing cancer to cracking down on infectious diseases, all with the noble aim of bettering our collective human existence.
Source => hhs.gov

Did you know that nail-biting can actually affect your oral hygiene? A study found that chronic nail-biters have a higher plaque index and more harmful bacteria in their mouth. Don't miss out on this intriguing fun fact! 🦠💅

=> Fun Facts about Health

3. HHS: Soap Opera-worthy Plot Twists!

In a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, the Department of Health and Human Services has decided to make life a little less "snappy" for some families with SNAP benefits: They recently expanded the policy to include SNAP beneficiaries as eligible candidates for the Head Start program, thus creating a super collaboration that helps reach families entitled to multiple services. Pass the popcorn and watch as Head Start Recruitment tools help spread awareness while streamlining access to resources for eligible SNAP recipients!
Source => eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

4. DNA Blockbuster Upgrade: HHS Edition!

In a world where "you're not the one" might soon be replaced with "you're not one of the 350", our beloved DNA is about to get its own blockbuster upgrade: The Department of Health and Human Services has introduced a new human "pangenome" reference, covering genetic sequences from over 47 individuals from across the globe, with an ambition to incorporate 350 people by 2024, offering a more detailed and diverse representation of our genetic fabric.
Source => genome.gov

5. HHS: The Captain America of Health!

If the Department of Health and Human Services were a superhero, it would be Captain America – a pioneer, fighting against all odds to protect the nation's health: Since its inception in 1953, HHS has championed life-saving programs such as the Vaccines for Children Program and SCHIP, while also saving the world from smallpox and rising to the challenge of the nation's first bioterrorism attack.
Source => hhs.gov

6. A Transformative Nutritional Navigator!

Feeling the need for a healthy dose of change, like kale in a donut shop? Well, buckle up for a transformative ride with America's nutritional navigator: The Department of Health and Human Services is leading the Healthy People 2030 initiative that focuses on addressing social determinants of health to improve individual and community well-being. This data-savvy program sets national objectives for the next 10 years, highlighting top-priority goals known as Leading Health Indicators and offering hundreds of evidence-based resources within its five key areas to support public health crusaders!
Source => health.gov

7. FDA: The Trusty Guardians of Pet Health!

Are your pets on a 'ruff' diet, or maybe they have an 'appawling' aversion to their medication? Don't fret, our trusty FDA is on the case: This mighty agency not only ensures the safety and proper labeling of human food and drugs, but also oversees pet food and animal medications under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act – all while collaborating with state, local agencies, and the Association of American Feed Control Officials to maintain a healthy feed supply, even regulating pet meals intended to treat or prevent diseases.
Source => fda.gov

8. Divine Intervention: HHS Protects Religious Rights!

Who said religion and healthcare can't walk hand in hand? In a bit of a divine intervention, the Department of Health and Human Services says "amen" to protecting your religious rights: Did you know that HHS enforces federal laws that shield conscience and the free exercise of religion, while banning coercion and religious discrimination in health and human services? That means individuals can get their health care without facing discrimination based on their faith or religious practices. Hallelujah!
Source => hhs.gov

9. Health Insurance Hotline: No Ask Gary Needed!

Move over, 1-800-Ask-Gary! There's another number in town that's got your health insurance needs covered, whether it's 3 am or prime Netflix bingeing hour: The Department of Health and Human Services runs the Health Insurance Marketplace, where you can call their toll-free number 1-800-318-2596, 24/7 for answers about health care insurance, enrollment, or changing plans, and even tax credits for private insurance or health programs such as Medicaid and CHIP. Just don't expect this hotline to help you find a personal injury attorney or chiropractor in the middle of the night!
Source => hhs.gov

10. Zombie Apocalypse Survival Plan by HHS!

When the zombie apocalypse strikes, don't fret, for the U.S. government has a plan: The HHS is actively implementing the 2022 National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan for Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security, which aims to improve the country's early warning and awareness of pandemics and biological threats, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and expand personal protective equipment (PPE) surge capacity, among others.
Source => hhs.gov

11. BOTSEC: Security for Blood, Organ, and Tissue!

Feeling drained? Fear not, HHS has a council that’ll have you pumped for safety: The Department of Health and Human Services boasts a Senior Executive Council called BOTSEC, which advises on blood, organ, and tissue safety and availability, with members stemming from various HHS components and even liaisons from the DoD and VA – all chaired by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health and directed by the OASH Senior Advisor for Blood and Tissue Policy.
Source => hhs.gov

12. HHS: Public Health Emergency Transformers!

When the going gets tough, the tough call HHS: The Secretary of Health and Human Services holds the power to declare a public health emergency during infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, or natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, teaming up with state authorities and other agencies to coordinate relief efforts and support those affected communities.
Source => aspr.hhs.gov