In a significant move to streamline health services in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This new agency will bring together several existing organizations, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, among others. The goal is to improve how health resources are coordinated, especially for low-income Americans. The AHA will focus on key areas like primary care, maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, HIV/AIDS, and workforce development.
This reorganization aims to eliminate barriers between similar programs, particularly by moving SAMHSA under the AHA. This shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that health programs are executed more effectively.
In addition to the AHA, HHS is also strengthening the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by transferring the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to it. This change will bolster the CDC’s mission to protect Americans from health threats, especially during public health emergencies and disasters.
Another important development is the establishment of a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement. This position will oversee various offices, including the Departmental Appeals Board and the Office for Civil Rights. The aim is to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse within federal health programs, ensuring that resources are used appropriately.
HHS is also merging the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to form the Office of Strategy. This new office will focus on research that informs health policy and enhances the effectiveness of federal health programs.
Furthermore, the Administration for Community Living is undergoing a reorganization. Key programs that assist older adults and people with disabilities will be integrated into other HHS agencies, such as the Administration for Children and Families and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Importantly, this change will not affect Medicare and Medicaid services.
These changes reflect a broader effort by HHS to improve health services and ensure that they are more accessible and efficient for all Americans.