Why Preserving HHS’s National Health Security Division is Vital for Our Future

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is experiencing significant changes with the recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary. These changes will impact the department’s structure and priorities, but careful adjustments are necessary, particularly for agencies like the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

ASPR plays a crucial role in preparing for and responding to health crises and emergencies. Recently, however, it faced major staff layoffs as part of broader cuts affecting HHS. This decision raises concerns, as the agency is essential for managing disasters ranging from hurricanes to pandemics.

Despite having a smaller budget and staff compared to other HHS agencies, ASPR is effective. It supports states during emergencies, enhancing the medical supply chain through domestic manufacturing. Without ASPR, many critical countermeasures against diseases like flu, anthrax, and Ebola would not exist.

ASPR has proven its value in past crises. For instance, during the hurricanes in 2017, it played a vital role in evacuating dialysis patients in Puerto Rico before Hurricane Maria struck, preventing severe health consequences.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASPR helped repatriate U.S. citizens from high-risk areas and ensured the distribution of essential medical supplies to hardest-hit locations. It also developed drug therapies that were crucial for treating COVID patients.

Given the ongoing threats from various sources, it’s important to strengthen ASPR instead of weakening it. Here are a few suggestions for improvement:

• Congress should reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act to clarify ASPR’s role in supporting local and state officials in emergencies.
• The administration should set clear performance goals for ASPR, emphasizing accountability and operational excellence.
• ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System should enhance its readiness for potential large-scale military casualties by collaborating with the Department of Defense on planning and training.
• Expanding public-private partnerships for medical projects, like those seen during Operation Warp Speed, will help build a robust framework for responses to future health emergencies.
• Finally, applying lessons from past disasters can guide improvements in domestic manufacturing of essential medical supplies and boost supply chain resilience.

These improvements can help ASPR become even more responsive and better prepared for the future. The agency’s small size does not diminish its importance; it is a pivotal player in national health security.

W. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., a former assistant secretary at ASPR, and Jennifer B. Alton, M.P.P., a public health policy expert, have advocated for these changes to enhance ASPR’s capabilities.