News and Events from the Department of Health and Human Services http://www.hhs.gov/news/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:30:00 -0500 Adults gain substantial health benefits from two and a half hours a week of moderate aerobic physical activity, and children benefit from an hour or more of physical activity a day, according to the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The comprehensive set of recommendations for people of all ages and physical conditions was released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/10/20081007a.html Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced two new actions in the department’s ongoing activities to bolster the nation’s preparedness for a potential outdoor anthrax attack. In development since March of this year, the steps being implemented today build upon more than a decade of preparedness efforts across HHS and other agencies of the federal government. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/10/20081001a.html Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:50:00 -0500 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today cleared a new test developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to diagnose human influenza infections and the highly pathogenic influenza A (H5N1) viruses. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080930a.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced $36 million in new grant programs to 28 states to help older Americans and veterans remain independent and to support people with Alzheimer’s disease to remain in their homes and communities. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080929a.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt welcomed the announcement today by AHIC Successor, Inc., that the public-private entity has established a board of directors to lead its efforts to accelerate the adoption of a nationwide, interoperable health information system. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080923a.html Tues, 23 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the release of $121 million in energy assistance to help eligible low-income households meet home energy costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds are expected to provide states with heating assistance for the winter months ahead. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080917a.html Wed, September 17, 2008 15:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced up to $2 million in individual assistance for victims of Hurricane Ike from affected counties in Texas, through a new Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) administrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080912c.html Fri, September 12, 2008 18:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today welcomed 11 more community collaborations to a growing national movement to build a health care system where consumers, providers and payers make decisions based on the value and quality of care. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080903b.html Thur, September 4, 2008 09:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today welcomed 11 more community collaborations to a growing national movement to build a health care system where consumers, providers and payers make decisions based on the value and quality of care. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080903a.html Wed, September 3, 2008 15:30:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) have signed a voluntary agreement to improve language assistance services for limited English proficient (LEP) persons in Hawaii. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/09/20080902a.html Tue, September 2, 2008 11:30:00 -0500 A new proposed regulation would increase awareness of, and compliance with, three separate laws protecting federally funded health care providers’ right of conscience. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/08/20080821a.html Thur, August 21, 2008 14:30:00 -0500 Proposed Changes Would Improve Disease Tracking and Speed Transition to an Electronic Health Care Environment http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/08/20080815a.html Fri, August 15, 2008 17:00:00 -0500 The law created a “trigger” that requires action if the Medicare trustees have issued two consecutive reports projecting the program’s spending from general revenue would exceed 45 percent. This year, in response to the second consecutive Medicare Trustee report, the President proposed legislation to lengthen the life of the trust fund and improve Medicare and that legislation was introduced by members in both houses. Under the law, Congress is required to act on the President’s proposal or an alternative by July 30. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080724a.html Fri, July 25, 2008 11:30:00 -0500 The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) released today guidance on allocating and targeting pandemic influenza vaccine. The guidance provides a planning framework to help state, tribal, local and community leaders ensure that vaccine allocation and use will reduce the impact of a pandemic on public health and minimize disruption to society and the economy. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080723a.html Wed, July 23, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting southern Alaska this week to strengthen efforts to enhance health care delivery to Alaska Native communities and to observe best practices in the region. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080722b.html Wed, July 23, 2008 09:00:00 -0500 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mike Leavitt today announced that Terry Cline, Ph.D., will become the Department’s next Health Attaché and representative at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, effective August 31st. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080722a.html Tues, July 22, 2008 13:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt has appointed two new members to the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080721b.html Mon, July 21, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt today announced awards of over $49 million in grants to 30 states that provide health insurance to residents who cannot get conventional health coverage because of their health status. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080721a.html Mon, July 21, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a report today stating its progress in implementing Project BioShield. HHS has used Project BioShield authorities to support, facilitate and expedite the research, development, acquisition and availability of medical countermeasures to respond to the adverse effects of public health emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080709b.html Wed, July 9, 2008 17:30:00 -0500 Joint Inspections with European Union and Australian Regulators; Third-Party Certification Program Are Latest Steps toward Implementing New Import Strategy http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080709a.html Wed, July 9, 2008 13:30:00 -0500 More than 2,300 individuals with disabilities currently institutionalized in Georgia’s eight public psychiatric hospitals and mental retardation facilities will have the opportunity to live in their communities with appropriate supports tailored to meet their individualized needs as a result of a settlement agreement between the state of Georgia and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/07/20080702a.html Wed, July 2, 2008 12:00:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is convening a group of national experts to develop recommendations on protecting, preserving and restoring individual and community mental health in catastrophic events. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/pr20080626a.html Thur, June 26, 2008 12:00:00 -0500 The United States and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the safety of food, feed, drugs and medical devices traded between the two nations. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/pr20080624a.html Tues, June 24, 2008 15:30:00 -0500 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting México and Central America next week to strengthen efforts to improve the safety of products and to advance joint programs to improve health care in the region. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080620a.html Fri, June 20, 2008 15:30:00 -0500 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mike Leavitt signed a Joint Progress Statement today with the Honorable Li Changjiang, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People’s Republic of China. The document outlines steps taken by both nations in implementing the 2007 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on food and feed safety. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080618a.html Wed, June 18, 2008 16:40:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency in the flood-stricken states of Iowa and Indiana. The action gives HHS' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080616a.html Mon, June 16, 2008 16:40:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded $12.9 million for the development of low-cost influenza tests that can detect and differentiate seasonal human influenza viruses from avian influenza within three hours. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080612a.html Thu, June 12, 2008 16:40:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Libby Amphibole Health Risk Initiative, a series of projects totaling $8 million designed to understand the health effects of exposure to lower levels of Libby, Montana asbestos (i.e., Libby amphibole). http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080611a.html Wed, June 11, 2008 16:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today named 12 communities that will participate in a national Medicare demonstration project that provides incentive payments to physicians for using certified electronic health records (EHR) to improve the quality of patient care. The five-year, first-of-its-kind project is expected to improve the quality of care provided to an estimated 3.6 million Americans. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080610a.html Tue, June 10, 2008 14:00:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Leavitt today announced that the Administration is amending its budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to include an additional $275 million for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He called on Congress to act quickly on this budget amendment and pending Administration legislative proposals to strengthen FDA. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080609a.html Tue, June 10, 2008 09:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced that the department has made available nearly $1.1 billion to continue assisting public health departments, hospitals and other health care organizations to strengthen their ability to respond to public health and medical emergencies as a result of a terrorism attack or naturally occurring event. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/06/20080603a.html Tue, June 03, 2008 09:30:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced efforts underway at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will complement each other to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/05/20080522a.html Thur, May 22, 2008 13:15:00 -0500 HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today applauded the more than 30 communities that have applied for a new demonstration project that will provide Medicare incentive payments to primary care physician practices that use certified electronic health records (EHR) to improve the quality of patient care. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/05/20080519a.html Mon, May 19, 2008 11:00:00 -0500 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt is visiting the People's Republic of China this week to strengthen bilateral efforts to improve the safety of products on which consumers in both nations depend every day. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/05/20080512a.html Mon, May 12, 2008 14:00:00 -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