Overview

The Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) Sector constitutes a significant portion of the U.S. economy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that 16.2% ($2.2 trillion) of our Nation's 2007 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was spent on healthcare and this percentage was expected to increase to 17.6% in 2009. Privately owned and operated organizations comprise the vast majority of the sector and identify themselves with the delivery of healthcare goods and services. The public health component consists largely of government agencies at the Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial levels. Due to the diffuse nature of the sector, there are many targets for potential attack that are exceptionally hard to protect. A breakdown in the healthcare infrastructure would result in a significant impact on the economy, a loss of human life, and a breakdown in other critical sectors. To help manage this risk, HHS and its government and private sector partners have developed this Healthcare and Public Health Sector-Specific Plan (HPH SSP).