DHS Launches New Health Security Office Amid Concerns of Chemical, Biological Detection Capability

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week the launch of the Office of Health Security. The Office will lead a new, streamlined approach to healthcare for its workforce and those in the agency’s care. Under the direction of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, the department will unify its medical, workforce health and safety, and public health functions under the new Office.

Among Dr. Gandhi's goals for the office is to increase standardization, accountability, and emergency preparedness. Further, Dr. Gandhi noted the reorganization would allow for an increase in the number of health care voices within the department.

“We will focus on promoting a healthier and safer workforce, supporting appropriate and timely medical care for those in our care and custody, ensuring a robust health security posture, and being a strong partner and advocate with and for our interagency and community partners,” said Dr. Gandhi.

The new office offers a solution to Congressional concerns surrounding the department's capability to handle health threats. While the agency has said this reorganization will address concerns around the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD)—the DHS arm responsible for detecting and preventing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Since CWMD's inception in 2017, low workforce morale and questions about its effectiveness have plagued the office. There are, however, signs of improvement, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

In advance of CWMD's authorization expiring next year, Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), intend to save the agency. The committee leaders introduced a bill last month that would go beyond reauthorization, but further reorganize the office with accountability measures provided by GAO and various stakeholders.

In a HSGAC hearing this week concerning weapons of mass destruction and national health security threats, Dr. Gandhi joined Gary Rasicot, Acting Assistant Secretary (ASA) for CWMD, and Tina Won Sherman, Director of Homeland Security and Justice at GAO.

“Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats are real and evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the devastating impacts of a biological incident, including loss of life and extreme economic and social disruption,” stated ASA Rasicot. “Given the potentially devastating nature of CBRN threats, reauthorization of CWMD is vital to ensure continuity of critical programs supporting frontline operators and local communities. [The] reauthorization is also considered a key morale and retention issue for the office’s highly skilled and highly in-demand workforce.”

According to Director Sherman, CWMD has undertaken measures to identify the reasons for low morale and workforce issues, including surveys and listening lessons. Director Sherman noted that differences in cultures between roles complicate the understanding of mission contribution; however, she also described the proposed bill as promising.