Federal watchdog says HHS is failing in its response to crises

• There are currently over three dozen government agencies or programs on GAO's high risk list.

What they're saying: The GAO said HHS has failed to designate roles and responsibilities for other governmental entities during emergencies, struggled to collect data to inform decision-making and stumbled in clearly communicating health messages to the public.

• "If left unaddressed, these deficiencies will continue to hamper the nation’s ability to be prepared for, and effectively respond to, future threats," the watchdog said.
• "As devastating as the COVID-19 pandemic has been, more frequent extreme weather events, new viruses, and bad actors who threaten to cause intentional harm loom, making the deficiencies we have identified particularly concerning."

The big picture: The GAO has highlighted "persistent deficiencies" in HHS's ability to prepare for and respond to public health disasters over several years.

• While the department has addressed some of the GAO's recommended changes to leadership and emergency coordination, the government watchdog said Thursday that at least 72 proposal remain unresolved.
• HHS did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

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