The Latest Breaking News from Health and Human Services

How does 988 work?

Help for a mental health crisis is now just three digits away: 9-8-8.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 26, 2022

Need to use 988? 4 key questions about the new mental health crisis hotline, answered

You can chat online, text, or use an actual phone to reach counselors at the 988 crisis lifeline. Here's everything you need to know about the new service.

Inverse · Sep 16, 2022

House Passes New Human Trafficking Bill

Here's what's in the $1 billion reauthorization package.

Reason · Jul 29, 2022

Nursing home staff lagging on boosters

One out of seven US COVID-19 deaths has been residents in nursing homes, research has shown

Salon · May 21, 2022

Editorial: Rob Bonta has earned a full term as California attorney general

Rob Bonta was appointed California attorney general barely a year ago by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill a vacancy left by the departure of Xavier Becerra to become U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. Because Bonta was not elected, because his record in one of the state’s most important positions…

Los Angeles Times · May 3, 2022

Biden gives states millions to improve suicide prevention lifeline

WASHINGTON — As part of a Biden administration push to expand mental health resources, the Department of Health and Human Services is awarding nearly $105 million to 54 states and territories to help states transition from the 10-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a simpler “988” dialing…

McClatchy Washington Bureau · Apr 19, 2022

White House broadens initiative to address long COVID

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday unveiled a plan to increase awareness and response to the long-term effects of COVID-19, directing Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to helm an interagency effort to coordinate research and support for long-term patients.

Tribune News Service · Apr 5, 2022

White House broadens initiative to address long COVID-19 - Roll Call

The White House is tasking Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to lead an effort to study long-term effects of COVID-19.

Roll Call · Apr 5, 2022

Editorial: It’s been two years of COVID. It’s time for a full accounting of our response

There’s no great way to mark the exact moment when the pandemic began in the U.S. Was it when the first domestic case of COVID-19 was confirmed? Was it the day when the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary declared SARS-CoV-2 a public health emergency? Or was it when the…

Los Angeles Times · Mar 15, 2022

Editorial: Schools are doing fine with masks. Dropping mandates now would be premature

It’s a relief to watch omicron numbers fall off. California is lifting its indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people Wednesday, but not for schools — at least, not yet. State officials will reassess the situation Feb. 28, Mark Ghaly, California’s secretary of Health and Human Services, said Monday.

Los Angeles Times · Feb 16, 2022