Department of Health and Human Services
Definition
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government tasked with enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.
Analogy
HHS is like your family doctor or nurse, who takes care of your overall health, provides vaccinations to prevent diseases, advises on nutrition, and helps you recover when you're sick.
Related terms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): A part of HHS that monitors public health & spread of diseases - it's like a diagnostic tool used by doctors to identify what's making you sick.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Another agency under HHS; they regulate food safety, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices etc. - think about them as quality control in a restaurant ensuring everything served is safe to eat.
Medicare & Medicaid Services: These are programs run by HHS providing health insurance for elderly & low-income individuals respectively - they're like financial aid at school helping students who can't afford tuition.
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