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US moves to end job protections for hundreds of health department workers
President Donald Trump's administration on Friday moved to strip U.S. Department of Health and Human Services workers of civil service job protections, according to an email reviewed by Reuters.
Michigan Health Department releases findings about project on contaminants in firefighters’ blood
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released findings from a project to determine concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood of Michigan firefighters.
Focus on Eye Health During Healthy Vision Month | Texas Health and Human Services
Healthy Vision Month in May is a great time for Texans to focus on protecting their vision health and preventing eye disease.
Vice President Vance to highlight anti-fraud efforts
In December, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services referred one Portland area provider to the attorney general’s office for investigation after finding “a credible allegation of fraud.”
Trump administration freezes Medicare enrollments for new home health care, hospice providers
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is placing a moratorium on new Medicare enrollments from home health care and hospice providers, as part of the Trump administration’s effort…
FDA chief's resignation widens a leadership gap at the nation's health department
WASHINGTON (AP) — When the week began, several senior positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were already sitting empty.
FDA chief’s resignation widens a leadership gap at the nation’s health department
Dr. Marty Makary's resignation from his post atop the Food and Drug Administration is widening a leadership gap that already existed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
RFK Jr. Swaps Vaccine Rhetoric for Story Time as GOP Woos Voters
By Amanda Seitz | KFF Health News TOLEDO, Ohio — The little boy, dressed in a Toy Story sweatshirt, wrapped himself around the nation’s health secretary. “What do you guys want to be when you grow up?” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked a carpet full of preschoolers. “A ...
Trump and Kennedy Seek To Relax Safeguards for AI Healthcare Tools
For years, the Department of Health and Human Services built standards to make sure electronic health records were user-friendly and offered transparent advice to doctors. Now they’re relaxing those standards, and doctors and critics in the hospital industry are worried.
HHSC Highlights Available Resources During Older Texans Month | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is observing Older Texans Month by promoting resources available to help people live well as they age.
HHS expands access to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy through telehealth | Health and Human Services North Dakota
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) FamilyFirst Services now offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) through telehealth by an approved provider to eligible families.Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an evidence-based program for children ages 2 to 7 and their parents or caregivers. It is designed to improve child behavior, strengthen parenting skills and build healthier parent-child relationships.
FDA chief plans to resign amid agency turmoil
The ouster of Makary is the latest shake-up at the Department of Health and Human Services, with some officials selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being swapped out for more conventional choices.
HHS launches competition to support community care hubs working with health care providers
The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living has launched the first phase of its Health at Home Challenge, a competition to support community care networks that have partnered with health care providers supporting dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
DHHS Assistant Secretary for Health speaks after hantavirus passengers arrive in Omaha
Admiral Brian Christine, MD, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spoke at a news conference Monday morning.
UNC Health plans Wilmington hospital
UNC Health plans to create a community hospital on a 62-acre proposed site in New Hanover County, pending regulatory approvals, according to an announcement Monday morning. “Planned for the southeast corner of South 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard, the site was selected for its accessibility and its geographic infill capacity in serving a rapidly growing region,” according to the release. “This project marks a significant step forward in UNC Health’s commitment to improving access to primary care and specialty care closer to home.” Officials said the proposed hospital would offer a range of specialties, including emergency care, cardiology, oncology, OBGYN and more. While the not-for-profit, state-owned health system’s officials are planning the hospital, the proposal still requires state approval through North Carolina’s certificate of need (CON) process before it can become a reality. UNC Health is targeting an opening date of 2030, the release stated, and “will continue to engage openly with local community leaders and residents and share updates as plans evolve and progress is made towards achieving CON approval.” The state’s CON law requires healthcare providers to obtain a CON from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services before developing or offering what the department’s website dubs “a new institutional health service.” The term encompasses a wide range of facilities, including hospitals. The news of UNC Health’s Wilmington plans follows the recent addition of Ernie Bovio to UNC Health. Bovio, who had served as president of the Novant Health Coastal Region since 2024, became regional president of UNC Health’s Southeast Coastal Region in April. “This is an important first step in our commitment to ensuring that families in Wilmington and the surrounding areas have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve – right here at home,” Bovio stated in the release. “As I’ve listened to my own neighbors and community members across the region, I’ve heard a clear message: Wilmington is ready for more choice in healthcare – and UNC Health is ready to deliver it.” According to the release, Wilmington Health – one of the largest independent, physician-owned practices in Southeastern North Carolina – also supports the project, and its providers are expected to participate on the medical staff of the new facility. “Wilmington Health has served this community for more than 50 years, and we know firsthand that our patients are interested in choice,” stated Jeff James, CEO of Wilmington Health, in the release. “We strongly support UNC Health’s plan to bring a new community hospital to our region – closing critical gaps in specialty care and ensuring families across our region have options to access the services they need, right here at home.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the new food pyramid
Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, delivers some remarks during the celebration of the unveiling of the new food pyramid at the HHS Headquarters, Washington D.C, Jan. 8, 2026. (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the new food pyramid
U.S. Health and Human Service (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hosts U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at the HHS Headquarters for the celebration of a major announcement. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary kicked off the event. Speakers included Kelly Loeffler, United States Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health of the United States, Ben Carson, National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Jim O’Neill, United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and Kyle Diamantas, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)
Trump administration launches moms.gov to support pregnant women and families
The initiative falls under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
2 returning Americans watched closely for hantavirus: US health officials
Two Americans were in biocontainment units “out of an abundance of caution,” Health and Human Services posted on social media.
Trump Administration Launches Moms.Gov for New and Expecting Mothers
On Mother’s Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched Moms.gov, a groundbreaking website for new and expecting mothers.
Women encouraged to prioritize their health and well-being | Health and Human Services North Dakota
May 10-16, which overlaps Mother’s Day, is recognized as National Women’s Health Week. This year, the federal Office of Women’s Health and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) are promoting the theme: “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health,” and focusing attention on prevention and early detection of women’s health issues, chronic diseases and science-based care.
Fact-check: Sanders says 15 million lost health insurance because of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'
"As a result of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' 15 million Americans have been thrown off the healthcare that they need," Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said during a committee hearing that included testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Fact-check: Sanders says 15 million lost health insurance because of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'
"As a result of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' 15 million Americans have been thrown off the healthcare that they need," Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said during a committee hearing that included testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
‘That’s a problem’: Councilor grills health commissioner over childcare workforce grant funding
Executive Councilor John Stephen pointedly questioned officials from the Department of Health and Human Services during this week’s meeting about why a childcare workforce grant program was not funded.
Davids Announces Funding to Improve Healthcare Access in Kansas’ Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2.6 million to Health Partnership Clinic to expand access to primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services in the greater Kansas City area.
RFK Jr. unveils campaign for ‘deprescribing’ antidepressants
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Kr. on Monday announced his new initiative boost “deprescribing” psychiatric medications, during a MAHA Institute summit on m…
HHSC Shares Nutrition and Wellness Resources During Third Annual Healthy Texan Week | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is kicking off its third annual Healthy Texan Week by highlighting resources that encourage Texans to embrace healthy living.
HHS recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, encourages small steps to support well-being | Health and Human Services North Dakota
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting the importance of mental health, while encouraging individuals to take small, manageable steps to support their overall well-being.Gov. Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month across North Dakota.This year, HHS is promoting a “Healthy Habit Exchange” approach and encouraging North Dakotans to make simple, everyday changes that can positively impact mental health.
Leaving the world better: Chris Klomp on what government owes the next generation
Chris Klomp, chief counselor, Health and Human Services, and deputy administrator and director of Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, spoke at
See inside Pender County's new 'state-of-the-art' health facility
Pender County's new Health and Human Services building, which the county has described as a "state-of-the-art facility" opened in April. See inside.
Months after the FDA's label change for Tylenol, what's changed?
In September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced it was issuing a safety change for the medicine...
All of RFK Jr.’s run-ins with the animal kingdom
From beached whales to road-kill raccoons and an infamous brain worm, the Health and Human Services Secretary has had his share of wild encounters.
Hunnicutt, national wellness leader, joins North Dakota’s rural health transformation effort | Health and Human Services North Dakota
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced Dr. David Hunnicutt, as a Rural Health Transformation Program strategist. Hunnicutt brings more than two decades of nationally recognized leadership to this role, having served 20 years as CEO of WELCOA—one of the largest and most influential corporate health and wellness organizations in the U.S. As principal of his own consulting firm, he spent seven years partnering with Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and the Impact Institute to design and launch initiatives that elevate leaders across North Dakota and strengthen the state’s capacity for long-term community well-being.
Gov. Abbott, HHSC Announce $56 Million in Federal Funding for Rural Health Care Providers to Modernize Equipment, Infrastructure | Texas Health and Human Services
Gov. Abbott announced HHSC is making $56 million in federal funding available to rural health care providers. As part of the Rural Texas Strong plan, the grant opportunity will help health care providers update critical equipment and infrastructure.
State Health Department Begins to Prepare Medicaid Patients for New Work Requirements
As Montana nears its July 1 deadline to begin implementing new community engagement requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees, the state’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is hosting informational webinars to inform patients of the changes. During the first webinar Tuesday afternoon, Jessie Counts, human services executive director for the department, went […]
Lawmakers urged by AHA to support key health initiatives in FY 2027 appropriations bill
The AHA April 29 urged House and Senate appropriations committee leaders to fund health care programs that have been successful in improving access to care for patients and communities nationwide, as the committee begins drafting the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills. The AHA encouraged Congress to support various programs focusing on the health care workforce, maternal and child health, rural health, disaster preparedness, medical research and behavioral health. Additionally, the AHA urged legislators to include specific bill language that would bar the use of funds for the implementation of a 340B Rebate Model Program at the Department of Health and Human Services.
RFK Jr. wants to treat addiction by creating wellness farms. Does it work?
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says a farm community in Italy for people with addiction is a model for wellness camps designed to ease the U.S. overdose crisis. Critics say the idea is dangerous.
Radiologists implore HHS to punish payers who undermine surprise-billing protections
Over 100 specialty societies and state medical associations wrote to Health and Human Services and other departments to voice their growing frustration with the No Surprises Act.
US Seeks New Nominees for Key Preventive Health Panel
By Deena Beasley April 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, overseen by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on Tuesday asked for nominations to the influential task force that decides which preventive medical care is provided at no cost to patients. The Preventive ...
Congressman Cohen Announces $$6.8 Million Grant to Christ Community Health Services
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Christ Community Health Services will receive a grant of $6,832,768 from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services to operate its programs for its economically or medically vulnerable patients.Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
Xavier Becerra explains why he should be California's next governor
The former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden is running as a Democrat in the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who terms out at the end of 2026.
Marion County's top two health department officials abruptly leave
The top two administrators in Marion County’s Health and Human Services department left the county at the same time.
Lyme disease cases in Michigan rise 168% over 5 years, health officials report
Cases of Lyme disease have seen a 168% increase just in the last five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
UT Health Sciences Joins U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Initiative to Advance Nutrition Education in Health Care
The university joined a national initiative to further advance nutrition education across health care training programs.
Fact-checking RFK Jr.'s claim there's more than one way to calculate a percentage decrease
President Donald Trump has regularly said that drug-price discounts on his watch are greater than 100%, which isn’t mathematically possible. Now his health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is trying to back up his faulty math.
Bat tests positive for rabies in Haddonfield, health officials say
A bat found in Haddonfield, New Jersey, has tested positive for rabies, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Friday.
4 takeaways from Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s gauntlet of congressional hearings
In his testimony to various committees in the Senate and the House over multiple days, Kennedy was tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s proposed 2027 budget, which would boost defense spending while cutting more than 12% of funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
4 takeaways from Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s gauntlet of congressional hearings
In his testimony to various committees in the Senate and the House over multiple days, Kennedy was tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s proposed 2027 budget, which would boost defense spending while cutting more than 12% of funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
US Health Officials Nix Publication of a Study on COVID Vaccine Effectiveness
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials stopped the publication of a study on whether the COVID-19 vaccine was keeping adults from becoming sick enough to have to go to the hospital. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman on Wednesday confirmed the decision to halt publication,
Health Secy. Robert F. Kennedy Testifies on 2027 Budget Request
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on President Trump's 2027 budget request for the department.
RFK, Jr. set to overhaul key committee that issues disease screening recommendations
Lawmakers grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on cuts and changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which focuses on preventive health screening
Iowa Senate blocks confirmation of Larry Johnson as director of Health and Human Services
Iowa Senate Democrats voted against confirming Gov. Kim Reynolds' pick to lead the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, citing transparency concerns.
RFK Jr. faces Senate health committee in final, decisive hearing for MAHA movement
All eyes are on Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, a Republican who has been critical of the Health and Human Services secretary’s vaccine policy.
RKF Jr. declares public health emergency for Hawaii in wake of storms
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency for the state of Hawaii due to the impacts of the Kona-low storms in March.
On Capitol Hill, RFK Jr. defends vaccine policies, ongoing shakeups
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had another long day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, with lawmakers questioning him on his vaccine views, agency shakeups and a proposed budget that would slash HHS spending on medical research and public health.
Dept. of Health and Human Services declares public health emergency for Hawaii after March storms
The declaration aims to address the health impacts caused by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred in March 2026.
State House moves forward with Health Dept. budget
LANSING — Two and a half months before the state’s budget deadline, members of the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives unleashed a flurry of budget proposals from their respective subcommittees, including a three-part plan to fund the Department of Health and Human Services. With the department making up nearly half of the state budget, members […]
Newsom demands answers from RFK Jr. over past comments about Black children on ADHD meds being ‘re-parented’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday said he demands answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding comments the secretary made in an interview in 2024…
Massive new Health and Human Services center opens in north Fulton County
The $25 million facility opens to the public next week.
Health Subcommittee: The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Health and Human Services Budget
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
RFK Jr. takes lashing in first of several contentious health hearings
The health and human services secretary received a rare rebuke from a Republican lawmaker as he defended his — and Trump’s — handling of the agency.
Governor Stein Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week
Today Governor Josh Stein joined Senator Natalie Murdock, the Legislative Black Caucus, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to…
R.I. Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest to retire
A plan for interim leadership will be announced before Charest’s retirement on July 3, Governor Dan McKee’s office said.
CMS Launches First Wave of Health Tech Ecosystem Health Information Sharing and Access Tools
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the first wave of Health Tech Ecosystem The CMS has launched the first wave of Health Tech Ecosystem tools under its initiative to improve interoperability and patient access to their own health information.
Lessons from the OIG: Common Billing Errors Texas Home Health Providers Need to Know | Insights
The Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHSC-OIG) quarterly report highlights common billing errors and compliance issues in home healthcare settings.
MHA Submits Comments on Proposed Behavioral Health Medicaid Policy
The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2553-BH, which addresses reimbursement for specialty behavioral health services based on service location.
RFK Jr.’s HHS rewrites rules governing key CDC vaccine committee
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has approved changes to rules that govern an expert group that advises the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its vaccine recommendations.
North Dakotans can learn about resources to grow healthy habits on April 18 at Gateway to Health event | Health and Human Services North Dakota
Individuals and families are invited to the fourth annual Gateway to Health community event, which includes activities for all ages on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science in Bismarck. Participants will enjoy free access to the science center during their registered two-hour time slot, along with access to interactive booths and exhibits promoting health and wellbeing through hands-on activities, games and prizes.
HHS Secretary Kennedy announces launching of new health podcast
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday that he would be launching a health podcast.
3L Rachel Sadler Charts Path in Brain Health, Technology, and Policy Through UC Law SF’s Health Law Concentration - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
3L Rachel Sadler studies health law and policy at UC Law SF while researching the legal implications of neurotechnology and other emerging tools that may affect human cognition. 3L student Rachel Sadler shares how UC Law SF’s Health Law Concentration prepared her for a career focused on the intersection of brain health, government policy, and technology. Gained a detailed understanding of how U.S. health care is regulated and where policy reform is needed through coursework and research. Interned with state and federal agencies that regulate health care services and worked with a major health care provider’s bioethics department. Plans to pursue a career focused on protecting cognitive liberty and mental privacy as new technologies reshape healthcare. 3L Rachel Sadler: The Health Law Concentration has given me fluency in one of the most complex regulated industries and the tools to become an effective advocate for better health policy. Before coming to law school, I spent a decade teaching and working with teachers and administrators on high school programming for multilingual learners. Healthcare kept emerging as the most powerful driver of student outcomes. I wanted to understand how to make effective policy change in this area and how to use existing law to defend people’s health rights in California. Through the concentration’s coursework, I gained a sophisticated understanding of how U.S. healthcare is regulated. I also learned where the pressure points for reform exist. The courses gave me space to develop what became my central research interest: how law and policy can be built to protect human cognition and healthy brain development, particularly regarding new technologies such as generative AI and neurotechnology. The health law faculty were instrumental in that process, genuinely invested in helping me and other students define and pursue our own intellectual vision. During law school, I interned at the General Counsel’s Office for Region IX of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I also externed at the California Department of Justice’s Health, Education and Welfare Division. Additionally, I externed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Bioethics Department. Alongside those placements, I conducted extensive independent research on mental privacy and emerging neurotechnology, working closely with Professors Emily Murphy and George Horvath. That research became the throughline of my law school experience and the foundation of my current policy focus. I must also credit Nicole Ozer of the Center for Constitutional Democracy (CCD), whose deep knowledge of California privacy law and the public-interest privacy landscape deeply informed my work. I currently serve a research assistant with the CCD, where I spearhead the development of K-12 educational resources in partnership with law faculty and students. I’ve found UC Law SF to be an ideal place for second-career, nontraditional students. There is a tremendous diversity of life and career experience here, and I felt fully welcomed into the community, despite returning as a student at a different stage of life. I came to law school wanting to promote equity in California’s healthcare system. I am leaving with a sharper and more specific ambition: to build a policy career focused on protecting cognitive liberty and mental privacy from technological intrusion. This is both an urgent and underserved area of law, and I want to be part of defining this landscape going forward. Whether as a practicing attorney or a policy advisor, I plan to work on these issues after law school. I strongly recommend UC Law SF and the Health Law Concentration. When I arrived in law school, I worried the concentration would be narrow and that my non-clinical background would be a disadvantage. The opposite was true. The health law faculty thinks about health expansively, encompassing social determinants of health, structural inequity, and emerging technologies alongside the regulatory mechanics of the industry. The faculty are accessible, intellectually generous, and genuinely invested in students’ development. I found my research vision here, and I deeply appreciate the concentration’s role in this. The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the College’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.
Associate Dean to Lead College of Health and Human Services
Dr. John M. Laux will serve as interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services effective June 1.
RFK Jr. launching podcast in ‘transparency’ push
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a podcast that, in his words, will focus on “telling the truth, especially when it’s uncomfortable” and R…
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $350,769 to UND
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $350,769 to the University of North Dakota (UND).
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
As Montana Prepares to Roll Out Medicaid Work Requirements in July, Health Care Advocates Propose Best Practices
As the state’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) gears up to begin checking for Medicaid work requirements this summer, department officials this week announced the launch of a new government webpage designed to help patients navigate the upcoming changes. “Our priority is to ensure that Montanans covered by Medicaid Expansion have the […]
North Carolina health officials discuss Davidson County Social Services takeover: ‘Care about the children, families of Davidson County’
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Two and a half months since the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services took over the Davidson County office, leaders say promising changes are h…
New SNAP Purchase Restrictions Take Effect Today | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC reminds SNAP recipients and vendors that candy or sweetened drinks can no longer be purchased with Lone Star Cards in Texas.
HHSC Directs Health Care Facilities to Follow FDA Cybersecurity Guidance | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is directing health care facilities to review, understand and mitigate the risk of people remotely accessing protected health information.
Nebraska DHHS seeking rural health experts to join federal program advisory group
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is creating an advisory board for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Though the program’s budget has been set, board members across six regions will assess how prepared hospitals and clinics in their region are to implement program initiatives.
HHS Aligns Health Technology Leadership to Deliver Data Liquidity, Affordability, and an AI-Enabled Health Care System for Americans
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is reversing a 2024 reorganization.
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at
Bill creating standards for community health workers in Georgia has stalled
A plan to strengthen health access in rural and underserved communities in Georgia through community health workers is on life support in the Georgia Legislature. The legislation, House Bill 291, has passed the House and an amended version passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee last week. But in Monday’s gatekeeping Senate Rules Committee, […]
Secretary Kennedy Celebrates Hospital Nutrition Commitments, Florida Farm Partnership During ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour in Miami
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on the latest leg of his nationwide Take Back Your Health tour, today celebrated new hospital commitments to strengthen nutrition-driven patient care
‘It's okay to go ask for help’: Nebraska’s DHHS highlights mental health resources as wildfires continue
As wildfires spread across western Nebraska, burning over 800,000 acres of land, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services and local partners are reminding Nebraskans of mental health resources available.
Health and welfare budget passes senate on second attempt, now including further cuts
On the 74th day of the legislative session, the Senate voted to approve a revised Health and Human Services maintenance budget after initially failing earlier t
Idaho Senate passes rewritten health and welfare budget with additional budget cuts
Overall, Senate Bill 1435 reduces total Idaho health and human services funding by $351.7 million, or 5.8% in fiscal year 2027.
Kennedy, Oz announce new health care advisory committee
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday announced the formation of a new expert advisory panel that will make recommendations…
CDC dilemma: Nominee may need both MAHA and science chops
As a deadline arrives this week to nominate a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, some Republicans are skeptical the administration will find someone who can check all the boxes necessary for confirmation. The candidate will need the “Make America Healthy Again” mindset of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Health and Human Services Department, […]
NCDHHS launches new program looking to expand number of mental health providers in state
In North Carolina, the demand for social workers in the state is growing as substance use and mental health service needs increase. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched the Public Service Leadership Program, a collaboration between the NCDHHS and 25 higher education institutions in the Social Work Coalition on NC Work Development, to help with that demand.Alongside the announcement of the new program on March 2, the NCDHHS released its first “State of North Carolina’s Mental Health and Substance Use Services Workforce Report” supported by UNC’s Behavior Health Workforce Research Center and Sheps Health Workforce NC.
Department of Health and Human Services provides behavioral health resources for Nebraskans affected by wildfires
The Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health encourages Nebraskans affected by the wildfires to seek emotional support at relief centers near areas affected by the wildfires.
Federal judge in Oregon rules US government overreached with transgender health care declaration
The judge’s ruling Thursday in Oregon is part of multistate lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general.
'We're not out of the woods yet': JFAC reworks Health and Human Services budget
After failing on the senate floor, JFAC reworked the Health and Human Services maintenance budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Making it out of committee with an addit
Kennedy’s vaccine agenda takes a major blow
A court ruling on Monday dealt a heavy blow to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to transform America’s vaccine policy, just as the White House is reportedly…
HHS investigating 13 states for ‘coercing’ healthcare providers to provide abortions
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is launching investigations into 13 states for violating a federal health refusal clause and “coercing” healthc…
HHS announces first Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity to strengthen rural health care workforce | Health and Human Services North Dakota
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity is now available to support the retention of health care professionals in North Dakota’s 37 critical access hospitals and their owned and operated clinics. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. CT April 30.
A dietitian and doctor review RFK Jr's new food pyramid
The new food pyramid was released earlier this year. It emphasizes protein, full-fat dairy and what Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls “healthy fats.” These guidelines influence the standards for school lunches, food labeling and programs like SNAP. Today on the show, Short Wave co-host Emily Kwong chats with registered dietitian nutritionist Shana Spence, and Dr. Sarah Kim, a diabetes specialist, about the new guidelines. Plus, NPR’s Reflect America fellow Kadin Mills unpacks how the new food pyramid could change school lunch trays. Check out more of Kadin’s coverage about the changes in dietary guidelines.Interested in more health science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
NCDHHS launches statewide online mental health bed registry tied to 988 hotline
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced a statewide online mental health bed registry aiming to reduce wait times.
Bill Cassidy faces another MAHA fight with his reelection on the line
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy in February weighed possible political peril against a long career in medicine, ultimately casting the critical vote to confirm known vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy as the president’s Health and Human Services secretary.