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Local Health Departments Role in Health Care Local health departments  are the governmental organizations that provide most of the direct services to the population. There are 2,800 local health departments across the United States. Although their organizational structures may differ, their basic role is to provide direct public health services to their designated areas. It […]

State Health Departments Role in Health Care The U.S. Constitution gives state governments the primary role in providing health care for their citizens. Most states have several different agencies that are responsible for specific public health services. There is usually a lead state agency with approximately 20 agencies that target health issues like aging, living, and

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) The  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)  was created under the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to prevent, prepare, and respond to the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters. ASPR focuses

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The  Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  was established in 2002 as a result of the 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. It consists of 22 different federal departments with over 240,000 employees and focuses on protecting the United States. The  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) , which is responsible

Surgeon General and U.S. Public Health Service The  Surgeon General  is the U.S. chief health educator who provides information on how to improve the health of the U.S. population. The Surgeon General, who is appointed by the President of the United States, and the Office of the Surgeon General oversee the operations of the commissioned 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Established on December 29, 1970, and part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  was established to govern workplace environments to ensure that employees have a safe and healthy environment. The Act covers most private sector employees. OSHA requires states to develop their own

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) The ACF, which has 10 regional offices, is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. Their mission is to empower people to increase their own economic well-being, support communities that have a positive impact on the quality of life

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Established in 1906 as a result of the  Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act , the FDA is responsible for ensuring that the following products are safe: food, human and veterinary products, biologic products, medical devices, cosmetics, and electronic products. The FDA is also responsible for ensuring that product

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Established in 1992, the SAMHSA is the main federal agency for improving access to quality substance abuse and mental health services in the United States by working with state, community, and private organizations. The Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration co-chairs the HHS

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Created in 1989 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, the agency’s mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all U.S. citizens. The AHRQ’s cutting-edge research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of healthcare services. AHRQ focuses on the