Blogs

Great philosophers have debated the meaning of life for centuries. Throughout the discourse on life’s meaning and how to live a life of purpose, you’ll find one central theme: service. That is, the joy we seek in everyday living is found in helping others. When we give of ourselves – our time, our efforts, our hearts, and our minds – we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Public health stakeholders from the federal to the local level are looking for ways to combat the opioid crisis. Two available resources are the Public Health 3.0 (PH3.0) framework and the ongoing work of the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA), an initiative of the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Taken together, these resources offer a solution that is as unique as the crisis itself.

As I’ve had the opportunity to visit communities across our nation, I have a greater appreciation for the progress we’ve made toward achieving health equity. Many of the stories I’ve heard from men, women, young adults, and seniors from all walks of life hinge one on key piece of progress: the Affordable Care Act. These stories of the peace of mind, freedom and security that come with knowing that they have health insurance coverage are present in every corner of the country. Stories like that of Donnalyn Washington who said she wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her health coverage are a result of the historic reduction in the number of people who are uninsured and more than 20 million people gaining coverage since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law.

Summary: We are counting on you to help spread the word about preventive health benefits and the difference the ACA has made for women’s health.

Summary: The progress that the Affordable Care Act has made for women’s health couldn’t be clearer, and we shouldn’t go backward on any of these improvements.

“We continue to address the impacts of alcohol and other drugs, youth suicides, domestic violence and the list continues. However, now is the time to address the source of these symptoms—historical and intergenerational trauma.” —Tribal leader, White House Tribal Nations Conference, 2014

Summary: Mental and substance use disorders can increase vulnerability to acquiring HIV infection and they can pose serious barriers to successful management of HIV.

It’s been 35 years since the first recognition of what would become the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the decades since, much progress has been made, but as a global community, we have not yet achieved our collective goal of a world free of HIV.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It provides an opportunity to educate all Americans about American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native communities have faced historically and continue to face today, and the ways in which Tribal leaders and members have worked to conquer these challenges.

Fresh winds of transformation are rolling across the expanse of this nation. In American Indian traditional stories, wind is a power larger than life itself throughout the history of the First Americans. During this Native American Heritage Month, we look to the winds of change that are transforming adversity into hope and empowering American Indians and Alaska Natives to live longer, healthier lives.

The work of the HHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships makes a difference because it impacts real people with real challenges.

Summary: Nearly 9 in 10 rural Marketplace consumers will be able to get tax credits to help pay for a plan that works for them and their families.

HHS announced last week that the Health Insurance Marketplaces are open for business, and Americans can again shop for high-quality, affordable coverage on an open, transparent market. This year, most Marketplace consumers will again have plan options for less than $75 per month, thanks to financial assistance.

All across the country, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is helping to make health care accessible to millions of people. In fact, six years after its passage, 20 million more Americans now have health care coverage thanks to the ACA. And we expect this number to grow as more people continue to seek quality, affordable care they need.

Most consumers shopping on the Marketplace will be able to find a plan between $50 and $100 per month, thanks to financial assistance.