HHS celebrates Freedom 250
Honoring 250 Years by Securing a Healthier Future
For 250 years, the American experiment has advanced through scientific leadership and an unwavering commitment to human life. Guided by gold standard science, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services delivers breakthroughs that strengthen the nation’s health system, push the boundaries of biomedical research, and drive towards the elimination of chronic disease. With a long history of serving on the front lines of the nation’s health challenges, HHS continues to steward America’s healthcare and lead the nation into its next 250 years.
A first-of-its-kind competition, The Patriot Games will spotlight outstanding high school athletes from across the country. This inspiring event celebrates discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork while uplifting the diverse talents of America’s youth and shining a light on the next generation of leaders.
Visit National Parks
Explore our programs and partnerships across the National Park System and see how you can give to the areas you’re most passionate about.
Events across the nation
Honor our history, showcase the beauty of the United States, ignite innovation, and strengthen the faith that will carry our Nation forward for the next 250 years.
The legacy of HHS in American history
1798
Passage of an act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen, which established a federal network of hospitals for the care of merchant seamen, forerunner of today's U.S. Public Health Service.
1871
John Maynard Woodworth, the first supervising surgeon general (later Surgeon General), adopts a military model for his medical staff, assigning a cadre of mobile, uniformed physicians to various marine hospitals.
1889
Congress formally established uniformed service requirements in response to a shortage of health care providers within the Marine Hospital Service, which would later become the U.S. Public Health Service, organizing officers along military lines with titles and pay corresponding to Army and Navy grades.
1906
The Pure Food and Drugs Act was passed, authorizing the government to monitor the purity of foods and the safety of medicines, now a responsibility of the FDA.
1964
Surgeon General Dr. Luther Terry released a landmark report on smoking-related lung cancer and bronchitis, the first report detailing the connection between tobacco and chronic disease.
1980
The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) became the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on May 4, 1980.
1986
Surgeon General Dr. C. Everette Koop writes “Understanding AIDS,” a USPHS Commissioned Corps brochure that is sent to all 107 million households in the U.S., the largest public health mailing ever at that time.
2000s
The USPHS Commissioned Corps has led major national and global public health responses, reinforcing its role as the nation’s deployable, mission-ready public health force.
Today
The USPHS Commissioned Corps continues to fulfill its mission to protect, promote and advance our nation's health and safety under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary for Health and U.S. Surgeon General.
The future of HHS
Under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS is taking bold, decisive action to reform America’s food, health, and scientific systems to identify the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again.