2016 Summer Olympics:  CDC Travel Recommendations

Planning to travel to Brazil for the Olympics or Paralympics?  CDC has developed recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy.  Brazil, along with many destinations in the Americas, is experiencing an outbreak of Zika virus. Because Zika virus infection in pregnant women is linked to serious birth defects and miscarriages, CDC has issued special recommendations for pregnant women traveling to Brazil. Learn what you should do before your trip so you can plan to be healthy, what to do if you get sick, and what to do after your trip. Learn More >>

Zika: Resources at Your Fingertips

The public health and medical community is learning more about Zika every day.  The experts at ASPR TRACIE know that public health, health care and emergency management professionals need access to the best resources on Zika so that they can get answers to critical questions about the disease, transmission, patient care considerations, and more.  Check out the ASPR TRACIE resource collection for a peer-reviewed list of the best resources on the topic.  Learn More >>

HHS expands Head Start in Flint The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week announced that Head Start and Early Head Start services will expand immediately in Flint, Michigan to help children and families exposed to lead in the city’s water supply. The expansion was made possible through one-time emergency funds of $3.6 million and is one of several steps HHS is taking as the agency designated to lead the federal response and recovery effort in Flint.  Learn More  and read the ACF Blog >>

Medicare benefits in Flint On March 3, 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the State of Michigan’s 1115 demonstration to extend Medicaid coverage and services to Flint residents impacted by the lead exposure. In recognition of the public health crisis in Flint, it is a top priority for the Administration and for the Department to ensure that all children and pregnant women exposed to lead in their water in Flint have access to the services they need.  Learn More >>

Swift federal action moves Flint toward recovery Since January 19, when President Obama designated HHS as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating the Administration’s response and recovery efforts in Flint, we have made significant headway. Dr. Lurie is leading administration efforts to ensure Flint families have access to safe water & services to mitigate any harmful impacts of lead contamination.  Learn More >>

Now Accepting Nominations! Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force HHS is pleased to announce the formation of a new Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force.  HHS takes cybersecurity seriously, and vigilantly monitors, tests, and strengthens its systems against cyberattacks, in an effort to stay ahead of any potential vulnerabilities. Establishment of this Task Force will build on our work to keep our systems secure and to provide information to improve preparedness for cybersecurity threats affecting the healthcare industry.  We invite our healthcare partners to submit nominations for membership on the Task Force. Learn More >>