During a national disaster, which agency commonly coordinates federal health and medical response efforts?

• A. Department of Education
• B. Department of Health and Human Services
• C. Department of Transportation
• D. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Answer: (B)

When a national disaster occurs, the federal lead for health and medical response is the Department of Health and Human Services. This agency oversees public health and medical services nationwide and brings together key components like the CDC, FDA, NIH, and the Strategic National Stockpile. In large incidents, HHS coordinates medical countermeasures, medical surge capacity, and public health guidance through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, working in tandem with FEMA and state and local partners. The other departments focus on education, transportation, or housing, which are not the agencies that coordinate health and medical response.