Chief Medical Officer to Lead New Office for DHS Medical, Workforce Health and Safety, and Public Health Missions

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week established the Office of Health Security, a new office that will serve as the principal medical, workforce health and safety, and public health authority for DHS. 

“Over the past several years, Americans have faced a series of unprecedented challenges impacting their health security, from the pandemic to natural disasters and more,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Our Department must be prepared to adapt to an ever-expanding, dynamic, and complex public health threat landscape. The Office of Health Security will lead our efforts to meet that charge.”

Led by DHS’s Chief Medical Officer, the Office of Health Security will unify the Department’s medical, workforce health and safety, and public health functions under one organization. 

This reorganization will pioneer best-in-class workforce health, safety, work-life and wellness programs, and suitable, timely care for noncitizens in our care and custody. The Office of Health Security will have an organizational structure and design that enables coordination, standardization, and accountability across the DHS enterprise while helping enhance our workforce and nation’s preparedness, response, and resilience to the health impacts of terrorism and other disasters. 

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