Ethan Rhodes
The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The HHS Secretary serves as the principal advisor to the President of the United States on health matters and is a member of the United States Cabinet. As of February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the incumbent secretary of health and human services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
| Position | Secretary of Health and Human Services |
| Appointment Date | February 13, 2025 |
| Salary | US$250,600 |
| Duties | Advising the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs; administering the Department of Health and Human Services to execute approved programs and communicate their objectives to the public |
| Departmental Structure | 7 assistant secretaries, who serve as top departmental administrators |
| Number of Programs | 115 |
| Number of Operating Divisions | 11 |
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What You'll Learn
The current secretary of HHS is Robert F. Kennedy Jr
The current secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who assumed office on February 13, 2025. HHS is a cabinet-level executive branch department within the US federal government. Its primary objective is to protect the health of US citizens and provide essential human services. The secretary of HHS is the principal advisor to the president on all health matters, including welfare and income security programs. They are also responsible for administering the department's approved programs and communicating the department's objectives to the public.
The secretary of HHS is appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the US Senate. They are assisted by a deputy secretary and seven assistant secretaries, who help manage the department. The deputy secretary is currently Jim O'Neill, while Heather Flick Melanson serves as Chief of Staff.
HHS oversees 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The department administers 115 programs across its 11 operating divisions, including social services, civil rights, healthcare privacy, and disaster preparedness programs.
The position of HHS secretary is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of US$250,600 as of January 2025. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the incumbent, and his appointment continues the long tradition of the department, which was formerly known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare before being renamed in 1979.
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The HHS secretary is a presidential appointee
The current secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since February 13, 2025. The secretary of health and human services is a presidential appointee, serving as the principal advisor to the president on health matters. The secretary is a member of the United States Cabinet and plays a crucial role in shaping health policies and programs that impact the lives of Americans.
As a presidential appointee, the HHS secretary undergoes a rigorous nomination and confirmation process. The president nominates an individual for the position, and this nomination is referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the United States Senate Committee on Finance for review and confirmation. This process ensures that the appointee has the necessary qualifications, expertise, and experience to lead a department as critical as HHS.
The HHS secretary's primary role is to administer the Department of Health and Human Services and ensure the implementation of approved programs. The secretary advises the president on matters pertaining to health, welfare, and income security programs, striving to improve the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. This includes overseeing the department's budget, which, as of 2020, was authorized at $1.293 trillion, encompassing various social service, civil rights, healthcare privacy, and disaster preparedness programs.
The HHS secretary is supported by a team of deputy secretaries and assistant secretaries, each with specific responsibilities. Together, they manage the day-to-day operations of the department and its 11 operating divisions, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The secretary also works closely with other government agencies and departments to coordinate health-related initiatives and policies.
Being a presidential appointee, the HHS secretary holds a position of significant influence and trust. The incumbent secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is responsible for leading the department's efforts to protect the health of Americans, especially those most vulnerable, and to adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape through innovative policies and programs. The secretary's role is pivotal in shaping the nation's response to public health crises, advancing medical research, and ensuring access to essential health services for all Americans.
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The secretary is the principal health advisor to the president
The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal health advisor to the president. The secretary is a member of the United States Cabinet and is appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The current secretary is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since February 13, 2025.
The role of the secretary is to advise the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. They are responsible for administering the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring that approved programs are carried out, and making the public aware of the department's objectives. The secretary also oversees 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Department of Health and Human Services has a broad mandate to "protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves." This includes administering social service programs, civil rights and healthcare privacy programs, disaster preparedness programs, and health-related research. The department also offers specific services for low-income individuals, people with disabilities, military families, and senior citizens.
The secretary of health and human services is supported by a Deputy Secretary and seven assistant secretaries, who assist in managing the department and serve as top departmental administrators. The position of secretary is a level I position in the Executive Schedule, with a salary of US$250,600 as of January 2025. The secretary plays a crucial role in shaping health policy and ensuring that the health needs of Americans are met.
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The HHS secretary is assisted by a deputy secretary
The current secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since 13 February 2025. The secretary of health and human services is a level-I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of US$250,600 (as of January 2025).
The duties of the secretary revolve around human conditions and concerns in the United States. This includes advising the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. The secretary strives to administer the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out approved programs and make the public aware of the objectives of the department.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the US federal government, created to protect the health of US citizens and provide essential human services. Its motto is "Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America". The department administers 115 programs across its 11 operating divisions, including social service programs, civil rights and healthcare privacy programs, disaster preparedness programs, and health-related research.
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The secretary is also assisted by seven assistant secretaries
The current secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since February 13, 2025. The secretary is the principal advisor to the president on health matters and a member of the US Cabinet. The secretary is assisted by a Deputy Secretary, who is also appointed by the president. Together, they are assisted by seven assistant secretaries, who serve as top departmental administrators.
The seven assistant secretaries are:
- Assistant Secretary for Administration: This role is responsible for the administrative and management functions within the department, including human resources, budget, and information technology.
- Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation: This role involves developing policies, conducting research, and coordinating the department's strategic planning process.
- Assistant Secretary for Health: The Assistant Secretary for Health is responsible for public health matters and may also lead the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service within the Public Health Service.
- Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response: This assistant secretary focuses on emergency response and preparedness, ensuring the nation is ready to respond to public health threats and emergencies.
- Assistant Secretary for Children and Families: With the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as one of the 11 agencies overseen by HHS, this role is crucial in ensuring the well-being and protection of children and families.
- Assistant Secretary for Legislation: Working closely with Congress and legislative bodies, this role ensures that the department's policies and programs are aligned with legislative priorities.
- Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs: This role entails serving as the department's primary spokesperson, managing media relations, and overseeing public communications to ensure transparency and public awareness of the department's objectives.
The specific responsibilities of each assistant secretary may vary depending on the current needs and priorities of the department. Additionally, there are other assistant secretary roles within HHS, such as the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, Assistant Secretary for Aging, and Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, who also support the secretary and deputy secretary in their duties.
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Frequently asked questions
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current secretary of health and human services, having held the position since February 13, 2025.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the US federal government.
HHS aims to "protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves."
The secretary of health and human services advises the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. They also strive to administer the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out approved programs and make the public aware of the objectives of the department.
