First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Parasite Detected in the United States

## Overview The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government, established to protect the health and well-being of all Americans and to provide essential human services, particularly for those most in need[1][2][4]. With a mission to “enhance the health and well-being of all Americans,” HHS is the principal agency responsible for public health, biomedical research, and the administration of major social welfare programs[1][9]. ## What HHS Does HHS oversees a vast array of programs and services, including direct health care provision, health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program), public health research, disease prevention, food and drug safety, and emergency preparedness[1][2][5]. The department also funds and supports maternal and child health, early childhood development, substance abuse and mental health services, social services for low-income families, and comprehensive health services for Native Americans[2][7]. HHS works closely with state and local governments, as well as private sector partners, to deliver many of these services[2][3]. ## History HHS traces its origins to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), established in 1953. When the Department of Education was created in 1979, HEW was reorganized into HHS, focusing exclusively on health and human services[1][4]. The department has since evolved to address emerging public health challenges, from the HIV/AIDS epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic[5]. ## Key Achievements - **Medicare and Medicaid:** HHS administers these programs, which provide health insurance to millions of elderly, disabled, and low-income Americans, making it the nation’s largest health insurer[1][2][6]. - **Public Health Leadership:** HHS agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Food and

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a pivotal executive branch agency responsible for advancing American agriculture, ensuring food safety, conserving natural resources, and supporting rural communities. Established in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, the USDA initially focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and was later elevated to a cabinet-level department in 1889[2][4]. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to include essential divisions like the Forest Service and has played a crucial role in regulating food production and safety[2][3]. **Key Responsibilities and Achievements:** - **Food Safety and Production:** The USDA ensures food safety through rigorous inspection services, protecting consumers from food-borne illnesses and regulating food products in collaboration with other agencies like the FDA[1][2]. - **Nutrition Programs:** Approximately 71% of the USDA's budget is dedicated to nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)[3]. - **Conservation and Rural Development:** The USDA works to conserve natural resources through the Forest Service and supports rural development by providing financial aid to farmers and improving rural infrastructure[2][5]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** - **Restructuring:** As of August 2025, the USDA is undergoing restructuring to enhance its efficiency and adaptability[1]. - **Innovation and Technology:** The USDA is actively involved in food biotechnology and innovation, supporting research in areas like alternative proteins and genetically engineered crops[1]. - **Biosecurity:** The department collaborates with other agencies to protect against threats to animal, plant, and human health, maintaining the integrity of the food supply[1]. Overall, the USDA is a critical component of the U.S. government, balancing agricultural productivity with safety, conservation, and support for rural communities and consumers. Its ongoing efforts in innovation and biosecurity underscore its importance in the modern era.