In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established a Cabinet-level position to oversee the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, which later evolved into the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Today, the HHS operates with a substantial $1.7 trillion budget and employs over 83,000 individuals to manage a wide array of federal health and wellness programs and research initiatives.
Within the HHS, there are 13 supporting agencies that play crucial roles in safeguarding public health and well-being. One of the prominent agencies is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is responsible for collecting data, monitoring diseases, and responding to health emergencies. The CDC also conducts vital health research to address emerging health threats.
