Analysis: How the Secretary of Health and Human Services influences America's health efforts.

Viewpoint: How the Health and Human Services secretary influences every aspect of America's health The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, plays a significant role in every American's access to health care and in the nation's overall well-being. Angela Mattie Medical Xpress

The secretary's direction influences America's ability to prepare for health threats, take up childhood vaccines, enhance the water supply, and a host of other public health measures. Understanding how the department and its leader influences the health of the U.S. is especially important in today's environment of persistent emerging infectious diseases and misinformation.