News and Events from the Department of Health and Human Services http://www.hhs.gov/news/ Thurs, May 8, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 I am pleased that the President has designated Tom as this Department's Acting General Counsel. Tom has served HHS in a variety of capacities for more than seven years and has an extraordinary understanding of our nation's health care policies and priorities. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/05/20080508a.html Thurs, May 8, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 Hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi still working to recover from the Hurricane Katrina disaster will receive $19.1 million in additional assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/05/20080506a.html Tues, May 6, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 I applaud the Senate's confirmation of Bob McSwain as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Bob brings to this role strong leadership skills and more than 30 years of federal service. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080429a.html Tues, Apr 29, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 Consumers should have access to a health care marketplace that provides information on the quality and cost of health care – such transparency empowers them to make better health care choices. As a provider of health insurance to more than 44 million Americans, the Medicare program is a considerable resource for such information. In fact, broader use and release of Medicare data holds the potential not only to transform Medicare from a purchaser of services to a purchaser of value, but also to transform the private marketplace as well. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080416a.html Wed, Apr 16, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam to advance the administration’s efforts to improve the safety of imports, and to review cooperative efforts to reduce the spread of disease, including HIV/AIDS and highly pathanogenic avian influenza. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080414c.html Tues, Apr 15, 2008 10:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt has announced grants of more than $1.1 billion to provide primary care, medications and services for low-income and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080407a.html Mon, Apr 07, 2008 10:00:00 -0500 Today, on the first World Autism Awareness Day, we pause to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the health of children in our country and throughout the world. Our determination remains strong as we continue our research efforts to increase understanding of how to treat and prevent autism and autism spectrum disorders. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080401a.html Tues, Apr 01, 2008 15:00:00 -0500 In their annual report, the Medicare Trustees today announced that both the Medicare Hospital Trust Fund and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund expenditures are growing faster than the rest of the economy. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/03/20080325a.html Tues, Mar 24, 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Dr. Joxel Garcia was recently confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Health and Medical Director for the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). I am pleased he will be joining our team and providing important leadership on public health matters. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/03/20080318a.html Thur, Mar 20, 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Unless changes are made, physicians could be forced to refer patients for abortions even if it violates their conscience. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt today expressed disappointment in the new policy put forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/03/20080314a.html Fri, Mar 14, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and the Secretary of Health of the United Mexican States, Dr. José Ángel Córdova, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today strengthening cross-border cooperation to address public-health, medical and scientific issues. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/03/20080304a.html Tue, Mar 04, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the nominations of eight individuals to his Advisory Committee on Re-Designation of Head Start Grantees. The committee was created in accordance with the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 to develop a transparent and reliable system for evaluating the renewal of agencies’ designation as Head Start providers. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/03/20080303a.html Mon, Mar 03, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the release of $40 million to help eligible low-income families meet home energy costs. The funds, from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund, will provide 11 states with heating assistance for the winter months. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080222a.html Fri, Feb 22, 2008 16:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today called on community leaders across the country to apply for a new demonstration project that provides Medicare incentive payments to physicians for the use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient care. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080212a.html Wed, Feb 20, 2008 16:30:00 -0500 A proposed regulation to improve the quality and safety of health care for all Americans by fostering the establishment of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) was announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080212a.html Tue, Feb 12, 2008 14:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt released today details of the President’s FY 2009 budget request to Congress for the department. The budget proposes total outlays of nearly $737 billion for HHS, an increase of more than $29 billion from 2008. This figure also includes a decrease of $2.2 billion in discretionary spending and proposes $186 billion in savings over the next five years achieved by slowing the rate of increase in mandatory spending. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080204a.html Mon, Feb 04, 2008 13:20:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced members of the advisory committee that will make recommendations for developing and implementing national health promotion and disease prevention objectives for Healthy People 2020. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080201c.html Mon, Feb 04, 2008 11:00:00 -0500 Today, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt recognized 14 communities with a special federal distinction for their strong commitment to improving quality and value in health care. The Secretary designated these partnerships of providers, employers, insurers, and consumers as the country’s first Chartered Value Exchanges (CVE) for their work to implement cutting-edge, collaborative methods to transform health care at the local level. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/02/20080201a.html Fri, Feb 01, 2008 15:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today, during a meeting of the American Health Information Community (AHIC), that LMI Consulting of McLean, Virginia, in association with the Brookings Institution (Brookings), has been awarded a grant to establish, as a successor to the AHIC, a self-sustaining, public-private partnership based in the private sector. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/01/pr20080122a.html Tues, Jan 22, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the release of $450 million to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds will provide states, territories, tribal areas and the District of Columbia with heating assistance for the winter months ahead. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/01/pr20080116a.html Jan 16, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Ohio and Pennsylvania will join a federal program created to increase the public’s awareness about the importance of long-term care (LTC) planning. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/01/pr20080114a.html Jan 14, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt will travel to India in January to seek ways to enhance the quality and safety of Indian food, drugs, and medical products exported to the United States and to build on America's partnership with India on health and science. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071228a.html Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:00:00 -0500 I applaud the Senate's confirmation of Ben Sasse as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and Christina Pearson as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071219a.html Thur, 20 Dec 2007 10:00:00 -0500 I applaud the President’s selection of Bob McSwain to lead the Indian Health Service (IHS). Bob is currently serving as the agency’s acting director. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071218a.html Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:50:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the members of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB). The NBSB will provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary on scientific, technical and other matters of special interest to the department regarding activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies resulting from current and future chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological agents. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071217a.html Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0500 Many of the country's neediest communities now have greater access to medical treatment, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said today in marking fulfillment of President Bush's 2001 pledge to open or expand 1,200 community health centers. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071205a.html Wed, 5 Dec 2007 13:00:00 -0500 Secretary Leavitt writes to reiterate the Administration’s commitment to strengthen and improve Medicare, and to ensure our Nation’s seniors continue to have access to, and choices among, high-quality benefits through this important program. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071204b.html Tues, 4 Dec 2007 18:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that, for the ninth consecutive year, the Department of Health and Human Services has received a clean audit opinion on the department’s fiscal year (FY) 2007 consolidated financial statements. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071204a.html Tues, 4 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0500 The benefits of utilizing health information technology for keeping electronic health records and other purposes are clear. This technology will produce a higher quality of care, while reducing medical costs and errors. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/12/pr20071203a.html Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0500 World AIDS Day offers all of us an important opportunity to reflect on one of the most important health challenges of our day. AIDS is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, having claimed more than 25 million lives worldwide, while an estimated 33.2 million people are living with HIV today. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071130a.html Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0500 First Lady Laura Bush today saluted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, announced today at the National Prevention Summit, which targets obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy weight for children. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071127a.html Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavittannounced today the members appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services’ new Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071127b.html Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0500 HHS Reports to Congress on Value-Based Purchasing of Hospital Services by Medicare http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071126a.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:00:00 -0500 It is heartening to learn of the advances in adult stem-cell reprogramming reported Tuesday. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071121a.html Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:30:00 -0500 The nation’s top health officials will honor residents of Framingham, Mass., Nov. 29, when they visit the Boston-area community to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals who have participated in the landmark Framingham Heart Study. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071120a.html Tues, 20 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today that the department, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing rules to adopt new standards to advance the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) for formulary and benefit as well as medication history transactions used under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071113a.html Tues, 13 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced a comprehensive initiative by the Food and Drug Administration designed to bolster efforts to better protect the nation's food supply. The Food Protection Plan proposes the use of science and a risk-based approach to ensure the safety of domestic and imported foods eaten by American consumers. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071106a.html Tues, 6 Nov 2007 16:30:00 -0500 In January, the President offered a proposal to insure millions of Americans who currently lack health insurance coverage - a plan that would cover nearly 20 million people. But, instead of considering its merits, Congress called it "dead on arrival." http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071101c.html Fri, 2 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian Minister of Health Tony Clement today to improve the health status of indigenous communities through enhanced international collaborations, identification and reinforcement of best practices, and innovative approaches to learning opportunities. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071101b.html Thur, 1 Nov 2007 17:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Ministry of Health of the United Mexican States today agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination and cooperation in the surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases for the protection of the health, well-being, and quality of life of their peoples. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/11/pr20071101a.html Thur, 1 Nov 2007 17:00:00 -0500 At an awards ceremony in Washington D.C., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services presented the Secretary's Highest Recognition Award to four individuals in celebration of National Disability Awareness Month. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/10/pr20071025b.html Thur, 1 Nov 2007 17:00:00 -0500 In a move that will improve health care for millions of Americans, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced a five-year demonstration project that will encourage small to medium-sized physician practices to adopt electronic health records (EHRs). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/10/pr20071030a.html Tues, 30 Oct 2007 12:40:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced awards totaling $57,840,781 through the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF). These awards will help 387 faith-based and community organizations enhance their ability to provide social services to those most in need. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/10/pr20071019a.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:30:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Ad Council and the National Football League (NFL) will join to launch a new series of national public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to combat childhood obesity by encouraging physical activity among children. The new ads, which feature NFL players Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints), Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) and Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys), urge families to “get up and play an hour a day.” The PSAs will be unveiled this morning during the NFL’s United Way Hometown Huddle Event in New Orleans, part of the NFL’s national day of service. The ads will also air during NFL games throughout the football season. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/10/pr20071009a.html Wed, 09 Oct 2007 20:00:00 -0500 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today the award of contracts totaling $55.3 million to four companies for the advanced development of anthrax antitoxins, therapeutics and antibiotics for use against plague and tularemia. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/10/pr20071005c.html Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:00:00 -0500