What is the primary role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?

The primary role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including administering public health programs, ensuring access to healthcare services, and enhancing the well-being of individuals and families in the country. HHS carries out its mission through various agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on improving health outcomes, conducting medical research, and providing necessary health information to the public.

In contrast, while some of the other options reflect components of HHS’s responsibilities, they do not capture the overarching mission of the department. The option regarding providing healthcare services to private entities is more specific and not a primary function of HHS. Regulating pharmaceutical companies is indeed an aspect managed by the FDA, but it is a narrower focus rather than the broad public health mission. Overseeing state health departments involves collaborative efforts, but it does not encompass the full extent of HHS's role in promoting and protecting public health and providing human services nationwide.