The incoming HHS secretary will play an enormous role in the shape of the healthcare system in the U.S. after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the American Heart Association, which published a number of goals for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to achieve in its public health response.
The priorities come as confirmation hearings are about to begin for Xavier Becerra, who has been nominated to lead HHS by President Biden.
“The Secretary of Health and Human Services has an essential role to play both in the ongoing public health response and in the work to shape our healthcare system for the future to ensure equitable health care for everyone in America,” AHA CEO Nancy Brown said in a statement.
Other healthcare industry groups have asked the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Finance to quickly confirm Becerra, including the American College of Radiology. Becerra currently serves as California’s Attorney General and previously served as a Congressman for 12 terms.
Confirming a leader for HHS is an important step in the Covid-19 pandemic, but also for the long-term goals of the Biden administration. With a new administration, AHA posted a number of priorities to achieve equitable health care, including:
- Expanding access to affordable and adequate insurance coverage
- Ensuring equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and mitigating discrimination
- Strengthening the public health infrastructure and data systems modernization
- Supporting critical research
- Exercising the FDA’s authority to regulate tobacco products
“Our commitment to equitable health for everyone requires us to address racial and economic inequities aimed at improving access to quality health care, preventing tobacco and nicotine use, funding cardiovascular disease research and prevention programs and encouraging healthy eating and active living,” Brown said. “We look forward to working with Xavier Becerra, if confirmed, to protect and improve the health of everyone in this country, consistent with our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."