DHS creates new Office of Health Security to guide public health actions

To guide its future medical, workforce health and safety, and public health authority, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week established a new Office of Health Security.

It is the result of a reorganization, which will shuffle the department’s organizational structure to a design more favorable to enabling coordination, standardization, and accountability among the nation’s preparedness, resilience, and response to the health impacts of terrorism and other disasters, foremost by shuffling DHS’s related workforce under one organization. It will be guided by Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, Chief Medical Officer.

“I am honored to lead the new Office of Health Security, which will unite and elevate the outstanding public health, workforce health and safety, and medical expertise that exist across the Department,” Gandhi said. “We will focus on promoting a healthier and safer workforce, supporting appropriate and timely medical care for those in our care and custody, ensuring a robust health security posture, and being a strong partner and advocate with and for our interagency and community partners.” 

The new office was created in collaboration with congressional lawmakers, especially the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. A recent bill from Committee Chair Gary Peters (D-MI), the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act (S. 4465), would permanently authorize the new office, as well as the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD). A companion bill at the House is still under discussion.

“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,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. “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.”