When the 1st openly gay
@PressSec
and the 1st openly trans
@HHS_ASH
& four-star admiral meet at the
@WhiteHouse
during
#Pride
. Proud to be a part of an administration where everyone can see themselves reflected in leadership. We've come so far. Here's to shattering more ceilings.
Thanks to
@PressSec
for saying this directly: “LGBTQI+ kids are resilient. They are fierce. They fight back. They’re not going anywhere. And we have their back. This administration has their back.”
There is nothing wrong with being gay, trans or queer.
I am very grateful to be celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility here
@WhiteHouse
. It is an honor to be standing here today, working to put health equity front and center of our efforts
@HHSGov
.
#TransDayOfVisibility
Irresponsible "journalism" . The office is NOT closed, but merged with the Infectious Disease Office & strengthened. All functions continue.
#NVAC
is ACTIVELY meeting, involved, regularly charged, and engaged in
#COVID19
vaccine efforts including safety.
It’s always so great to meet with
@PressSec
— she’s a truly great communicator and understands how to reach people. I’m proud to serve with her in the Biden-Harris administration. It’s always an honor to be in the West Wing to discuss our work together.
I am deeply honored & grateful to join the ranks of men & women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small & large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities.
Today is an historic day for our country – Americans around the nation will begin receiving the
@US_FDA
authorized
#COVID19
. This is an extraordinary medical achievement that will help us combat the pandemic.
The future is looking brighter than ever this
#PrideMonth
. Thank you,
@POTUS
and
@SecretaryPete
, for your continued efforts to advocate for the marginalized. We have not made progress until we have made progress for ALL.
Today, and every day, let us continue to celebrate the resilience and success of transgender and gender non-binary people while raising awareness of transgender rights.
Transgender rights are human rights.
#TransDayOfVisibility
Remember to follow
@CDCgov
and
@WhiteHouse
guidance on how we can together combat this invisible virus and practice safe social distancing to protect with your loved ones. Find ways to stay connected
#TogetherApart
.
Incredibly inspired by the conversations, leadership, and advocacy of those that joined the
@HRC
Equality Convention this weekend. As
@PressSec
@K_JeanPierre
said, “Your identity is not your weakness, it is your superpower”
#MondayMotivation
.
Gender affirming care for transgender youth is essential and can be life-saving. These actions perpetuate the spirit of intolerance and discrimination against transgender youth, it is unconscionable that evidence-based care is being politicized.
I am pleased to announce our most recent advance in our
#COVID19
testing ecosystem – one that will support the continued safe and sensible reopening of America, and particularly our K-12 schools.
Air Force 2 has a little different look tonight. Now in a C17 and happy for it! Thanks to the pilots and crew for getting us safely back on the ground.
Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, & at
@HHSGov
we continue to make focused & ongoing efforts to end inequities, eliminate the impacts of injustice, & improve access to care for everyone.
Today of all days, I stand proud and visible with my fellow transgender Americans.
Feeling overwhelmed with hope after receiving my
#COVID19
vaccine dose today. This is a pivotal point in our history. With the vaccines here, we are on the path to rebuilding and healing our nation.
(4/6) Gender-affirming care is medical care. It is mental health care. It is suicide prevention care. It improves quality of life, and it saves lives. It is based on decades of study. It is a well-established medical practice.
The
#BinaxNOW
test detects the presence of
#COVID19
antigen within 15 minutes and is easy to administer. The test also comes w/ a free companion smart phone app called NAVICA to provide test results to the patient.
Just landed in Louisiana with
@VP
and
@SeemaCMS
! Looking forward to a productive discussion with
@LSU
leadership, gov’t leaders, and public health officials about our efforts to combat
#COVID19
and re-open schools. Stay Tuned!
Everyone age 12 and older is eligible to receive a vaccine at no cost, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. Find a vaccine location near you:
🔍 Search
💬 Text your ZIP code to 438829
📞 Call 1-800-232-0233
#WeCanDoThis
Let’s talk teen vaccines! Every teen should be up-to-date on 3 vaccines:
— Meningococcal vaccines: prevents death and limb loss
— HPV: prevents cancer
— Tdap: prevents severe infections for you and others
RT to share this important reminder during
#NIAM
#ivax2protect
The Administration and
@HHSgov
will distribute approximately 100 million
@AbbottNews
#BinaxNOW
tests to governors of states and territories, beginning with a total of 6.5 million tests this week!
Deeply impactful to speak to some amazing trans kids at
@whitehouse
. Gender affirming care is the medical standard and allows these kids to be themselves & live a normal life. To all trans kids: we see & support you. We have your back.
#transdayofvisibilty
@VP
@SecondGentleman
Today I had the pleasure of meeting w/ remarkable
#LGBTQI
+ influencers
@whitehouse
. Through social media, these influencers are shaping the future & championing public health issues. Thank you for being the catalysts for change & using your platforms to create a better tomorrow🏳️🌈
Some thoughts as we wrap up
#transdayofvisibility
at the
@whitehouse
. Incredibly grateful to celebrate this day with these amazing kids and leaders at such a momentous venue. Having this support at the highest levels gives me hope for an equitable future.
Today, we reflect on the past 40 years since the first reported cases of what later became known as
#AIDS
. We stand alongside the HIV community to remember the lives lost to HIV-related illness worldwide and celebrate the survivors still with us.
#40YearsOfHIV
If you've recovered from
#COVID19
, confirmed by a positive test, you have a unique opportunity to help others.
Visit to find a plasma donation center near you & make an appointment to donate your plasma.
It is truly remarkable to see the transgender flag raised above
@HHSGov
's headquarters. This is a symbol of progress and represents the strong support from HHS for the Transgender community.
#TransDayOfVisibility
On this International
#TransDayofVisibility
, I say to our transgender communities: we see you, we stand with you, and we will be there for you. For the first time in history, the transgender flag is flying in front of a federal agency,
@HHSGov
’s Hubert Humphrey building.
Gender-affirming care is medical care. It is mental health care. It is suicide prevention care. It improves quality of life, and it saves lives. It is based on decades of study. It is a well-established medical practice.
America's united efforts to combat the
#opioid
crisis are working: Today,
@CDCgov
's National Center for Health Statistics released data that showed a 5.1 percent decline in provisional counts of overdose deaths in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018.
Thank you,
@USATODAY
for recognizing me as one of the courageous Women of the Year—such an honor! My definition of courage: be true to yourself, be true to who you are, and then pay that forward by doing work for the common good.
Last stop of the day is meeting with trans leaders and kids to hear about what we can do better to help the transgender community and celebrate all the progress that we've made. We promise to do all we can to help with transgender health.
#TransDayOfVisibility
As I mentioned on
@JakeTapper
, the lab turnaround times will decrease this week.
@LabCorp
announced the ability to process 175,000 tests per day with plans to⬆️capacity further reducing the average time to deliver results to 2-3 days from specimen pickup.
Honored to be sworn in as
@HHS_ASH
. Immediate focus is to help get
#COVID19
under control & address the underlying issues it brought to the surface from health inequities to mental health & opioid abuse, it’s time to help America build a healthier future!
"Harmless water vapor" is a myth. Today
@Surgeon_general
issued an advisory on use of e-cigarettes among youth. We know that nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact brain development and respiratory health. Read more:
@hhsgov
@SGottliebFDA
@SecAzar
Today is National Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. MECFS is a disabling and complex illness that causes overwhelming fatigue. Learn more about living with MECFS:
#MECFS
Now that I am 65, I followed
@CDCgov
’s new recommendation allowing an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older. This also allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.
This National Public Health Week, it’s especially important to thank public health workers in your life.
Their tireless efforts have helped us instrumentally during
#COVID19
& beyond - often touching lives behind the scenes to make us all healthier & safer. Big thank you!
#NPHW
As I reflect on
#PrideMonth
, I am proud of the strength I’ve seen throughout the LGBTQI+ community. Being able to speak to advocates, highlight programs, and be the Grand Marshall in the Capital Pride Parade was an honor.
As the first trans ASH I'd like to reflect on the countless people who helped the LGBTQ+ community get here, both those known & those working from the shadows. We have not made progress until we have made it for ALL. I’ll continue to advocate for the marginalized.
Happy
#Pride
Excited to announce the formation of the Office of
#LongCOVID
Research and Practice at
@HHSgov
! Our new office will unite federal, state, local partners, patients, providers, researchers, and businesses to improve lives affected by this health crisis.
LGBTQI+ Health 🤝 LGBTQI+ Human Rights
Proud to work alongside
@StateDept
Special Envoy Jessica Stern to advance health equity and human rights for all!
When it comes to gender-affirming care for trans youth, we need to lead with real data and compassion rather than slander and stigmatization. The mental health of our youth and society depends on it.
Today is National
#TransHIV
Testing Day. We encourage transgender and gender non-binary people to get tested for
#HIV
and know their status. Let us continue to work together to end the HIV epidemic. Visit to learn more.
(2/6) It makes all the difference in the world to hear just one supportive person reminding you that you are a valuable human being, that your life is important, that you have no less dignity than anyone else.
Administration records lag 3-7 days. With 4.7 million allocated for this week, that will be >15+ million distributed by this coming week, with the remainder of the 20 million to be allocated this Tuesday, and distributed 1st week in January
.
@VJLangmaid
reports: The CDC Covid Data Tracker says that as of 9 a.m. Saturday, 9,547,925 vaccine doses have been distributed and 1,944,585 doses have been administered.
January is
#NationBloodDonorMonth
! Due to our nation’s blood supply being critically low, blood donors are needed everywhere. If you are eligible, you can help save a life by donating blood. Visit a blood donation center near you today!
(5/6) We, as doctors and as people who love our communities and our nation, have to confront the fact that the language of care and compassion that we take for granted is being used to tear our communities apart.
(6/6) The language of medicine and science is being used to drive people to suicide. The mantle of concern for children is being claimed to destroy children’s lives.
The Biden-Harris administration is trying to build a country where we don’t think of political attacks or suicide hotlines when we think of LGBTQI+ people. We think of our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers — as people who share the joys of life with us. That’s who they are.
This
#PrideMonth
, I'm asking the LGBTQI+ community to take important steps to protect their own health. As I write for
@TheAdvocateMag
, "At the end of the day, our health is the product of the choices we make as well as the environment in which we live."
She said: “You are loved just as you are. If you’re feeling overwhelmed call 988 and dial ‘3’ to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ kids.”
Please share these resources with those you know and love.
Targeting LGBTQI+ children hurts their mental health. It only takes one caring adult to save the life of a queer youth considering suicide. It doesn’t even have to be a family member. Having just one supportive adult in their life can mean the difference between life and death.
I am so honored to join Senator
@SarahEMcBride
for an important roundtable with medical and direct service providers from Delaware to discuss their work supporting and empowering trans and LGBTQI+ youth, and access to gender-affirming care services.
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day we are forced again to mourn lives lost too soon due to gun violence and hatred. What happened last night in Colorado Springs is tragic.
Today,
@POTUS
’ Coronavirus Task Force announced the new drive-thru testing model that will help ensure Americans who need a test for
#COVID19
receive it.
Accredited medical professional groups agree that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, safe, and effective for trans and non-binary youth. States should translate this knowledge into more compassionate policies that protect rather than undermine youth mental health.
Jon interviewed Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Attorney General, about why her state banned gender-affirming care for minors - ignoring the guidelines of major medical organizations and taking the decision out of parents’ hands. Watch the full interview on
@AppleTVPlus
I meet so many of the resilient youth she’s talking about as I travel around the country advocating for better public health. Being ready for life’s challenges is a good skill set, but being treated as political targets is taking a very real toll on their mental health.
Today, I would like to urge eligible, healthy individuals to contact their local blood center and make an appointment to
#giveblood
. Donating blood is a life-saving gift for those in need. For more information, visit
@AABB
@AmericasBlood
,
@RedCross
, and/or
@MilitaryBlood
.
Everyone deserves quality care without fear of discrimination.
@HHSGov
is committed to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community has access to respectful, accurate, and quality health care.
If you are seeking health insurance, visit to enroll in coverage.
Over 1 in 3 women & nearly 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence during their lifetime. That is unacceptable. Today I join those throughout the U.S. by wearing teal to support survivors of sexual harassment and abuse & call on you to do your part for a better future.
#SAAM2021
We are working to ensure that every American who needs a test for
#COVID19
will receive it. Honored to lead the coordination of COVID-19 diagnostic testing efforts among
#PublicHealth
service agencies, including
@CDCgov
and
@US_FDA
.
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Colin Powell. We have lost a remarkable leader, public servant, and trailblazer who broke barriers as the country's first Black U.S. Secretary of State. My sincere condolences to the Powell family during this time.
Discrimination and bullying have no place in our schools. We are doing our best to make schools a safe and welcoming places for ALL students, including LGBTQ+ students. Listen to our
@CivilRights
@EDcivilrights
@HHSGov
federal back-to-school message.
HPV vaccination prevents 6 types of cancer.
HPV vaccination prevents 6 types of cancer.
HPV vaccination prevents 6 types of cancer.
What more can I say? Let’s
#EndHPVCancers
for future generations!
I am proud to announce today that
@HHS
is joining the
#COP26
Health Programme and committing to building resilient and low-carbon health systems in the United States. As we commit to doing our part, we call on others to do the same.
#HealthyClimate
#Pride
means pride in yourself, your community, and how you contribute to make this world a better place. We need more pride and less fear. The future is looking brighter than ever as we work to advocate and advance policies to ensure health equity for ALL.
#PrideMonth
‘I’m hopeful’ — Dr. Rachel Levine (
@HHS_ASH
) spoke about protecting trans youth, supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of representation in this NowThis exclusive
Thank you to Health Secretary
@HumzaYousaf
for welcoming us to Scotland, and the great discussion on climate and health. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we advance the
#COP26
Health Programme commitments.
#healthyclimate
Today officially marks the 1st Day of Summer. All summer long we will be celebrating the “Summer of Pride.” I see it as an opportunity for change in our communities, states&nation. It will take us all, but together we can create a wave of change. Let the “Summer of Pride” begin!
I am excited to announce that HHS
@womenshealth
awarded Washington University in St. Louis and George Mason University nearly $1 million in grants to improve early detection and prevention of
#eatingdisorders
in adolescent girls.
Today, I’m at
@Nationals
’ Pride
#NightOut
with
@TeamDCSports
to support our LGBTQI+ youth in the DC metro area. They are our future – and our future is looking brighter than ever this
#PRIDE
month!
Today I visited
@ChildrensNatl
and learned about their Youth Pride Clinic. Research shows that 1/4 of
#LGBTQ
patients who faced discrimination postpone or avoid needed medical care—this is unacceptable. That's why specialized clinics w/ comprehensive & affirming care are critical
Transphobia and homophobia are public health issues. Many kinds of hate continue to produce violence in our society, and we need to take those risks seriously.
Instead of wishing that this would end, we need to work together to end it.
Great to be in Baltimore today. Started with a meeting
@MDHealthDept
Secretary Herrera Scott. When state governments and the Federal government work together, we are able to create and provide better solutions for the communities we serve.
Hope shines a little brighter – having a
#COVID19
vaccine that is safe & effective for adolescents is a significant step towards helping us all return to our lives and helping our youth return to school safely.
Happy Pride from HHS! This month is an opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize our LGBTQI+ colleagues and uplift the Department’s work to ensure that LGBTQI+ Americans have access to the health care and support they need.
#HappyPride2023
I want to emphasize this message from
@AAPNews
related to
#COVID
. Don't be afraid to take your child to the doctor if you are worried your child is sick, especially with high fevers and rash. And also don't miss recommended
#vaccines
!
Thank you to everyone for sharing your Long COVID experiences this morning at
@YaleLawSch
. The
@CDCgov
-funded INSPIRE study is doing good work to understand
#LongCOVID
patients.
As one patient said, “Someone walks in on crutches, you see what’s wrong. Nobody sees my symptoms.”
Today, I met w/ the Black Doctors
#COVID19
Consortium. They are dedicated to providing vaccination outreach to our hardest hit communities.
Thank you for providing hope to thousands of individuals and helping communities move from surviving to thriving.
Truth is
#HPV
vaccine is extremely safe, and prevents tens of thousands of horrible, deadly cancers each year. HPV vaccine is indicated as a routine vaccine for all boys and girls. Don't listen to fake news from anti-vax propagandists and foreign trolls.
Happy Intersex Awareness Day! Did you know
#intersex
people are the nearly 2% of the population with natural variations in their sex traits or reproductive anatomy? Not everyone is born neatly into male or female boxes, and that’s perfectly okay.
#BornBeyondBoxes
Thanks to our partners, we have made extraordinary progress in our fight against
#COVID19
. We are proud of our interagency partnership with
@FEMA
to ensure equitable vaccine distribution in our hardest-hit communities.