Where is hhs

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is headquartered at 200 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, D.C., with its main building located in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building. Established in 1953 as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and renamed in 1979, HHS operates with an annual budget exceeding $1.7 trillion and employs over 80,000 people across its 11 operating divisions.

Key Facts

HHS was established in 1953 as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and renamed in 1979
HHS headquarters is located at 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building
HHS has an annual budget exceeding $1.7 trillion, making it the largest civilian department by budget
HHS employs over 80,000 people across its 11 operating divisions
HHS administers Medicare and Medicaid, which together cover over 150 million Americans

Overview

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. Established in 1953 as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was renamed in 1979 when the Department of Education was created as a separate entity. Today, HHS operates with a massive scope that touches nearly every aspect of American healthcare and social welfare systems.

HHS headquarters is physically located at 200 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, D.C., occupying the Hubert H. Humphrey Building named after the former Vice President and Senator. The department's mission encompasses everything from medical research and disease prevention to social services and public health emergencies. With an annual budget exceeding $1.7 trillion, HHS represents approximately one-third of all federal spending and operates through 11 major divisions including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

How It Works

HHS operates through a complex structure of agencies and programs designed to address diverse health and human service needs across the United States.

Organizational Structure: HHS is organized into 11 operating divisions including 8 agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and 3 human services agencies. The department employs over 80,000 people nationwide, with leadership provided by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, a Cabinet-level position requiring Senate confirmation. Each division has specific mandates, such as the FDA regulating food and drug safety or the Administration for Children and Families overseeing welfare programs.
Budget and Funding: With an annual budget exceeding $1.7 trillion, HHS is the largest civilian department by expenditure. The majority of this funding (approximately 80%) goes to mandatory spending programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which together cover over 150 million Americans. Discretionary spending accounts for about $127 billion annually, supporting agencies like the NIH with its $45 billion research budget and the CDC with its $12 billion public health funding.
Program Administration: HHS administers more than 300 programs through its various agencies. These include Medicare (serving 65 million elderly and disabled Americans), Medicaid (covering 85 million low-income individuals), the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The department also oversees the Affordable Care Act marketplace, which enrolled 16.3 million people during the 2023 open enrollment period.
Emergency Response: HHS plays a critical role in national health emergencies through agencies like the CDC and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). During the COVID-19 pandemic, HHS coordinated the distribution of vaccines, treatments, and personal protective equipment while providing public health guidance. The department maintains the Strategic National Stockpile with medical supplies valued at approximately $8 billion for emergency situations.

Key Comparisons

Feature	HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)	WHO (World Health Organization)
Primary Focus	Domestic health policy and services within the United States	International public health coordination across 194 member states
Budget Scale	$1.7+ trillion annual budget (2023)	$6.7 billion biennial budget (2022-2023)
Key Programs	Medicare, Medicaid, FDA regulation, CDC disease control	Global vaccination campaigns, disease eradication, health standards
Geographic Scope	Primarily United States and territories	Global operations with regional offices worldwide
Governance Structure	U.S. federal department with Cabinet-level Secretary	United Nations specialized agency with Director-General

Why It Matters

Healthcare Access: HHS programs provide healthcare coverage to approximately 150 million Americans through Medicare and Medicaid, representing nearly half the U.S. population. The department's implementation of the Affordable Care Act has reduced the uninsured rate from 16% in 2010 to under 9% in 2023, expanding access to preventive care and essential health services for millions of previously uncovered individuals.
Public Health Protection: Through agencies like the CDC and FDA, HHS monitors and responds to health threats ranging from infectious diseases to foodborne illnesses. The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics collects and analyzes health data from all 50 states, while the FDA regulates approximately $2.8 trillion worth of consumer goods including 80% of the U.S. food supply and all pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and tobacco products.
Research Advancement: HHS drives medical innovation through the National Institutes of Health, which invests over $45 billion annually in biomedical research. This funding supports more than 300,000 researchers at over 2,500 institutions worldwide, contributing to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, genetic medicine, and vaccine development that benefit both Americans and global populations.

Looking forward, HHS faces evolving challenges including an aging population, emerging health threats, and healthcare affordability concerns. The department will continue adapting its programs and policies to address these issues while maintaining its core mission of enhancing health outcomes and well-being for all Americans. As healthcare technology advances and public health needs evolve, HHS's role in coordinating national response and ensuring equitable access to services will remain critically important for decades to come.