Mission

Provide health and medical expertise in support of the Department of Homeland Security mission to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards impacting the nation’s health security.

View the Office of Health Affairs Organizational Chart
(PDF - 1 page, 42 KB)

Overview

The Office of Health Affairs (OHA) serves as the Department of Homeland Security’s principal authority for all medical and health issues. OHA provides medical, public health, and scientific expertise in support of the Department of Homeland Security mission to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all threats. OHA serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator on medical and public health issues. OHA leads the Department’s workforce health protection and medical oversight activities. The office also leads and coordinates the Department’s biological and chemical defense activities and provides medical and scientific expertise to support the Department's preparedness and response efforts

Office Goals

• Provide expert health and medical advice to Department leadership
• Build national resilience against health incidents
• Enhance national and Department medical first responder capabilities
• Protect the Department workforce against health threats

OHA comprises the following divisions:

The Health Threats Resilience Division strengthens national capabilities to prepare and secure the nation against the health impacts of CBRN incidents and other intentional and naturally occurring events.

The Workforce Health and Medical Support Division leads the Department’s workforce health protection and medical oversight activities.

Leadership

Alexander Garza, M.D., M.P.H., is the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of The Department of Homeland Security.