United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare

Responsibilities and functions

The Secretary directed a large federal agency responsible for developing and implementing national policy in three broad areas: health, education, and welfare. Typical duties included advising the President, coordinating program administration with state and local governments, supervising federal grant programs, and overseeing public health and research institutions. The Secretary was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Organization and activities

Under the Secretary, the department housed multiple operating agencies and offices that carried out grantmaking, regulatory duties, research, and service delivery. Key activities included managing federal support for schools and higher education, administering social service and assistance programs, and cooperating with scientific and public health bodies to address epidemics, preventive care, and medical research. Over the department's existence, federal involvement in health and welfare expanded significantly.

History and reorganization

HEW was established as a cabinet-level department to consolidate related federal functions. By the late 1970s, growing program complexity and political debates about the proper federal role in education and health led Congress to reorganize the department. In 1979 the office was divided into two separate cabinet positions: the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Education (Education), each responsible for a narrower portfolio.

Legacy and notable facts

The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare helped shape mid-20th century policy on public health, schooling, and social supports. Notable officeholders included the first HEW Secretary and the official who served until the department's reorganization. After 1979, the two successor departments continued and expanded many programs that had been managed jointly, reflecting a long-term shift toward more specialized federal administration.

Key responsibilities (summary)

• Advise the President and sit on the Cabinet.
• Administer federal health, education, and welfare programs.
• Coordinate with states, localities, and research institutions.
• Manage departmental agencies and oversee grants and regulations.