department-of-health-and-human-services

nurse holding vial of Covid-19 vaccine and syringe

Next generation of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies gets a $1.4 billion boost

BY: - August 22, 2023

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday announced a $1.4 billion investment in developing the so-called next generation of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell made the announcement, saying the funding is part of the $5 billion program they hope will […]

Preparation for pandemics, natural disasters updated in bill passed by U.S. Senate panel

BY: - July 20, 2023

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Senate committee approved legislation Thursday that would update how the federal government prepares for and then responds to pandemics and natural disasters. The broadly bipartisan legislation moved through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee following a 17-3 vote after members adopted two bipartisan amendments. Republican Sens. Rand Paul of […]

Pa.’s juvenile detention centers are overcrowded, but building more isn’t the answer, advocates say

BY: - April 20, 2023

Youth advocates and a juvenile justice official called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to address a shortage of space and staff that has created a crisis affecting children in the justice system. While the head of the state chief juvenile probation officers’ group said the solution is for the state Department of Human Services to make more […]

State officials reaffirm access to reproductive health services post-Roe | Five for the Weekend

BY: - August 13, 2022

“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we know that many people are confused and worried about getting the reproductive health care they need and deserve to keep themselves and their families healthy,” Department of Human Services acting Secretary Meg Snead said.

Federal officials declare a public health emergency for monkeypox

BY: - August 4, 2022

More than 6,600 monkeypox cases have been reported in the United States, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The hardest-hit states are New York, California, Illinois, Florida, Georgia and Texas.

Biden to sign order on out-of-state abortion access

BY: - August 3, 2022

The White House is limited in what it can do, and the burden has fallen on Congress to try to codify Roe v. Wade into law. A bipartisan group of senators this week introduced a bill that would protect access to abortion, but it’s unclear if it can meet the 60-vote threshold needed to advance in the Senate. 

What legislation did Gov. Tom Wolf approve or veto during budget season?

BY: - July 13, 2022

In a flurry of budget season legislation, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed Republican-backed bills dealing with poll watchers, transgender athletes, and energy policy and approved laws on election funding, affordable housing and a loophole that can let people who commit serious crimes get away with a ticket.

Affordable for whom? The cost of child care in Pa. | The Numbers Racket

BY: - May 9, 2022

Child care should take up no more than 7 percent of a families’ income in order to be considered “affordable,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.