The Department of Health and Human Services touches the lives of every American. Our mission is to protect health and give aspecial helping hand to those who need assistance. We provide support and protection to older Americans, and to the Nation's infants and children. We provide aid to people withdisabilities, as well as assistance and new opportunity for those in need. In times of crisis, HHS services can save lives and rescuefamilies. At the same time, we are responsible for public health in the United States. We support the world's largest medical research effort.We assure the safety of foods and health care products. And we're fighting against the ravages of drug and alcohol abuse.