Operating Divisions

HHS has 11 operating divisions, including eight agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies. These divisions administer a wide variety of health and human services and conduct life-saving research for the nation, protecting and serving all Americans.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

The Administration for Children & Families promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities through a range of educational and supportive programs in partnership with states, tribes, and community organizations.

Established:

1991, bringing together several already-existing programs

Budget (billions): $49.73 FY2013 Staff: 1,287

Leadership:

Mark Greenberg

Headquarters: Washington, D.C. Phone: 201-401-9200

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

The Administration for Community Living increases access to community support and resources for the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities.

Established:

2012, bringing the Administration on Aging, the Administration of Developmental Disabilities, and Office on Disabilities together.

Budget (billions): $2.07 FY2013 Staff: 148

Leadership:

Kathy Greenlee

Headquarters: Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-619-0724

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supports research designed to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce its costs, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to essential services.

Established:

1989

Budget (billions): $0.43 FY2013 Staff: 314

Leadership:

Richard Kronick

Headquarters: Rockville, MD Phone: 301-427-1364

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry prevents exposure to toxic substances and the adverse health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of environmental pollution.

Established:

1980

Budget (billions): Part of CDC Staff: 306

Leadership:

Thomas Frieden

Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Phone: 800-232-4636

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the Public Health Service, protects the public health of the nation by providing leadership and direction in the prevention and control of diseases and other preventable conditions, and responding to public health emergencies.

Established:

1946, as the Communicable Disease Center

Budget (billions): $10.24 FY2013 Staff: 11,086

Leadership:

Thomas Frieden

Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Phone: 800-232-4636

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services combines the oversight of the Medicare program, the federal portion of the Medicaid program and State Children's Health Insurance Program, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and related quality assurance activities.

Established:

1977, as the Health Care Financing Administration

Budget (billions): $763.14 FY2013 Staff: 5,951

Leadership:

Andy Slavitt

Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Phone: 410-786-3000

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The Food and Drug Administration, part of the Public Health Service, ensures that food is safe, pure, and wholesome; human and animal drugs, biological products, and medical devices are safe and effective; and electronic products that emit radiation are safe.

Established:

1906, when the Pure Food and Drugs Act gave regulatory authority to the Bureau of Chemistry

Budget (billions): $4.03 FY2013 Staff: 14,829

Leadership:

Stephen Ostroff, M.D.

Headquarters: Silver Spring, MD Phone: 888-463-6332

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

The Health Resources and Services Administration improves access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

Established:

Established: 1982

Budget (billions): $8.10 FY2013 Staff: 1,965

Leadership:

Mary K. Wakefield

Headquarters: Rockville, MD Phone: Rockville, MD

Indian Health Service (IHS)

The Indian Health Service, part of the Public Health Service, provides American Indians and Alaska Natives with comprehensive health services by developing and managing programs to meet their health needs.

Established:

1921 (mission transferred from the Interior Department in 1955)

Budget (billions): $5.31 FY2013 Staff: 15,429

Leadership:

Robert G. McSwain

Headquarters: Rockville, MD Phone: 301-443-3593

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health, part of the Public Health Service, supports biomedical and behavioral research with the United States and abroad, conducts research in its own laboratories and clinics, trains promising young researchers, and promotes collecting and sharing medical knowledge.

Established:

1887, as the Hygienic Laboratory, Staten Island, NY

Budget (billions): $29.15 FY2013 Staff: 18,948

Leadership:

Francis S. Collins

Headquarters: Bethesda, MD Phone: 301-496-4000

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the Public Health Service, improves access and reduces barriers to high quality, effective programs and services for individuals who suffer from or are at risk for addictive and mental disorders, as well as for their families and communities.

Established:

1992. (A predecessor agency, the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, was established in 1974.)

Budget (billions): $3.35 FY2013 Staff: 627

Leadership:

Pamela S. Hyde

Headquarters: Rockville, MD Phone: 240-276-2000

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Content last reviewed on January 7, 2015