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About Us (DCD)

The Digital Communications Division (DCD), part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA), leads the development and review of HHS Web content, social media, and supporting technologies. The division also recommends and implements digital information policy, standards, guidance, and tools for the Department, as indicated in 70 FR 61621.

The DCD staff provides expert consultation on best practices in digital communications, including:

  • Plain language
  • Section 508 accessibility
  • Usability
  • New media
  • Web analytics
  • Search engine optimization
  • Information architecture

The division manages HHS.gov and several Secretarial priority and cross-federal topic websites, including FoodSafety.gov, Flu.gov, and HealthCare.gov. It also manages the HHS intranet.

HHS Web Council

HHS manages its Web activities through a Web Council, led by the Digital Communications Division and comprising representatives of HHS Operating and Staff Divisions. DCD works with the HHS Web Council to develop Department Web policies, standards, and guidance. The Council operates as an exchange of best practices and lessons learned to ensure quality, efficiency, and user focus in web content and operations. Council members also serve on the Dot Gov Task Force to implement the Dot Gov reform effort and the 2012 Digital Government Strategy. 

Contact Us

DCD staff serve as consultants to HHS Operating and Staff Divisions. Contact us for guidance on how to use the Web as a communications tool, and on policies and requirements for federal and HHS websites.