<p>The Department of Health and Human Serves (HHS) is charged with protecting the health of Americans and providing essential services, especially those that affect low-income families. Its over 300 programs include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Health and social science research</li>
<li>Preventing disease, including immunization services</li>
<li>Assuring food and drug safety</li>
<li>Medicare (health insurance for elderly and disabled Americans)</li>
<li>Medicaid (health insurance for low-income people)</li>
<li>Health information technology</li>
<li>Financial assistance and services for low-income families</li>
<li>Improving maternal and infant health</li>
<li>Head Start (pre-school education and services)</li>
<li>Faith-based and community initiatives</li>
<li>Preventing child abuse and domestic violence</li>
<li><a href="/resources/drug-free-workplace-benefits">Substance abuse treatment and prevention</a></li>
<li>Services for older Americans, including home-delivered meals</li>
<li>Comprehensive health services for Native Americans</li>
<li>Medical preparedness for emergencies, including potential terrorism.</li>
</ul>

