-  Freedom of Information Act      -  Submit & Check Status of FOIA Requests 
  -  FOIA Contacts & Requester Service Centers and Privacy Act Contacts 
  -  HHS FOIA Reports        -  Annual Reports 
    -  Quarterly Reports 
    -  Chief FOIA Officer Report 
    -  Open Pending FOIA Request Reports 
  -  FOIA Library / Electronic Reading Room        -  2016/2017 HHS Presidential Transition Documents 
  -  FOIA Exemptions & Exclusions 
  -  FOIA & Privacy Act Statutes & Resources        -  The Privacy Act 
    -  HHS System of Records Notices (SORNs) 
    -  HHS Computer Matching Agreements (CMAs) 
  -  FOIA FAQS 
  -  FOIA Appeals 
  -  FOIA Fees 
  -  COVID-19 Contracts 

                      -   
                      -   
                      -   
                      -   
                      -   

# Section III: Steps Taken to Increase Proactive Disclosures

The Department of Justice has long focused on the need for agencies to work proactively to post information online without waiting for individual requests to be received.

Please answer the following questions to describe the steps your agency has taken to increase the amount of material that is available on your agency websites.  In addition to the questions below, you should also describe any additional steps taken by your agency to make and improve proactive disclosures of information.

**1. Provide examples of material that your agency has proactively disclosed during the past reporting year, including records that have been requested and released three or more times in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(2)(D).  Please include links to these materials as well. **

HHS continues to employ a number of ways to identify records for online public disclosure.  HHS OpDivs use the established threshold of three requests for the same information to identify records of substantial public interest, either by reviewing FOIA logs, manually tracking FOIA requests or from identifying requests for the same records from an electronic tracking system.  In addition, information is gathered from program areas and offices about significant policy documents that may be candidates for proactive disclosure, and public affairs and communications staff provide input and suggestions for records they believe should be proactively disclosed to the public.

Please see the examples, listed below, of material that HHS has proactively disclosed during 2020 reporting period.
                          - ACL monitors incoming requests and has not had any requests for the same record(s) three or more times.  The stakeholder community has expressed interest in performance data from ACL’s disability programs.  In response, ACL added new databases specific to disability programs to the data portal ( https://agid.acl.gov/ ).
                          - The CMS has proactively disclosed the following information:
                          - Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights:  https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights/index.html
                          - Health and Dental Plan Data Sets for Researchers and Issuers:  https://www.healthcare.gov/health-and-dental-plan-datasets-for-researchers-and-issuers/ ;
                          - Health Insurance Exchange Public Use File:  https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Data-Resources/marketplace-puf
                          - FDA has proactively disclosed the following information:
                          - FAERs public dashboard, an interactive web-based tool that allows for the querying of FAERS data in a user friendly fashion. The intention of this tool is to expand access of FAERS data to the general public to search for information related to human adverse events reported to the FDA by the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers and consumers. See:  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/surveillance/adversedrugeffects/ucm070093.htm . 
                          - Data sets, such as  http://govdashboard.fda.gov/ , which relate to inspections, compliance and recalls. This dynamic online tool presents information in an easy-to-read graphical format. It provides access to the underlying data, allowing the public to see related data and trends. Users can also view, download and manipulate the data.
                          - Agency components continue to create web pages for specific issues of heightened consumer or media interest, to better inform the Agency’s constituency without requiring the submission of a FOIA request.  For example, FDA has posted extensive information in the reporting period on such subjects as:
                          - Drug compounding:
                          - ( http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/PharmacyCompounding/default.htm )
                          - http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofGlobalRegulatoryOperationsandPolicy/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/ucm384667.htm
                          - http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofGlobalRegulatoryOperationsandPolicy/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/ucm431393.htm
                          - http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/centersoffices/officeofglobalregulatoryoperationsandpolicy/ora/oraelectronicreadingroom/ucm466693.htm
                          - Food Safety ( http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/default.htm )
                          - Compounding Pharmacy Inspections ( http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofGlobalRegulatoryOperationsandPolicy/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/ucm384667.htm )
                          - Use of Antimicrobials in Veterinary Practice ( http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/JudiciousUseofAntimicrobials/default.htm )
                          - Dietary Supplements ( http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/basics/ucm193949.htm )
                          - Deeming of Tobacco Products ( http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/ucm388395.htm )
                          - Flu Vaccine ( http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Post-MarketActivities/LotReleases/ucm454877.htm )
                          - FDA also continues to post the following records on a regular basis, among others:
                          - Weekly Enforcement reports ( http://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/enforcementreports/default.htm )
                          - Recall information ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm )
                          - Advisory Committee packages and transcripts ( http://www.fda.gov/advisorycommittees/default.htm )
                          - Budget records ( http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/testimony/ucm522392.htm )
                          - Import Refusals ( http://www.fda.gov/forindustry/importprogram/importrefusals/default.htm )
                          - International Arrangements ( http://www.fda.gov/internationalprograms/agreements/default.htm )
                          - Product Approvals
                          - Press Releases ( http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/default.htm )
                          - Tobacco Retailer Warning Letters ( http://www.fda.gov/iceci/enforcementactions/warningletters/tobacco/default.htm )
                          - Clinical Investigator Correspondence ( http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/sda/sdNavigation.cfm?sd=clinicalinvestigatorsdisqualificationproceedings )
                          - Warning Letters and Responses ( http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/default.htm )
                          - Inspection Records and Firm responses ( http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/centersoffices/officeofglobalregulatoryoperationsandpolicy/ora/oraelectronicreadingroom/default.htm )
                          - Inspection databases ( http://www.fda.gov/iceci/inspections/ucm222557.htm )
                          - FDA Track Updates (which includes tracking of FOIA metrics) ( http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/track/default.htm )
                          - Post-Approval studies ( http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma_pas.cfm )
                          - Consumer Advisories and Alerts for blood products and vaccines ( http://www.fda.gov/advisorycommittees/committeesmeetingmaterials/bloodvaccinesandotherbiologics/default.htm )
                          - HRSA continues to post the Universal Data Set (UDS) report which contains the data reported by over 1,300 HRSA-funded Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs).  Every FQHC must file an annual UDS report made up of 14 highly detailed tables with approximately 20,000 data points. This past year provided clear evidence of the efficiency that can result from such disclosures.  In FY 15, the first year that the UDS data was posted, there were over 60 FOIA requests for UDS data.  In FY 19 there were only 20.  The link to the Reading Room is:   https://www.hrsa.gov/foia/electronic-reading.html

The Reading Room page also lists the HTML links for several of HRSA’s most requested databases and programs.  These include the HRSA Data Warehouse, the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Office of Pharmacy Affairs 340B Database, and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Data and Statistics.  In addition, it contains links to a wide assortment of other related databases, health center policy statements and announcements of HRSA funding opportunities.
                          - NIH has proactively disclosed the following information:

**OD:**
                          - NIH FOIA Logs for 2019:  https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/freedom-information-act-office/nih-foia-log
                          - NIH Procurement Activity Logs:  https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/freedom-information-act-office/nih-procurements-purchases
                          - ORS is launched their Spanish language website in 2019.  You can get the URL from the homepage.  https://salud.ors.od.nih.gov/
                          - ORS News2Use newsletter provides a lot of useful information and is publicly available on our website.  ( https://news2use.ors.nih.gov/Pages/default.aspx ) It is published quarterly.
                          - ORS has updated our FAQs on the security.nih.gov website to reflect changes in security policy particularly as it relates to foreign visitors and the REAL ID Act.  http://www.security.nih.gov/FAQ/Pages/default.aspx

**CSR:**
                          - Review Matters Blog:  https://www.csr.nih.gov/reviewmatters/
                          - CSR Advisory Council Information (Agenda, minutes, video, roster etc.):  https://public.csr.nih.gov/AboutCSR/Organization/CSRAdvisoryCouncil
                          - CSR Data & Evaluations:  https://public.csr.nih.gov/AboutCSR/Evaluations2019
                          - Study section information, rosters, and meetings dates:   https://public.csr.nih.gov/StudySections   https://public.csr.nih.gov/RevPanelsAndDates
                          - CSR news and Policy:   https://public.csr.nih.gov/NewsAndPolicy
                          - Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CSRpeerreview
                          - The redesigned website:   www.csr.nih.gov
                          - Review Matters blog:  https://www.csr.nih.gov/reviewmatters/

**DPCPSI/ORIP:**
                          - Cost of Maintaining Humane Care and Welfare of Chimpanzees (updated yearly)
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/comparative-medicine/programs/vertebrate-models/chimpanzee-management-reports
                          - Twitter feed at homepage:  https://orip.nih.gov/   
                          - Highlighting Progress Relative to ORIP’s Strategic Plan
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/strategic-plan/orip-theme-i/highlighting-progress-archives
                          - Data on S10 Instrumentation awards
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/construction-and-instruments/s10-instrumentation-programs
                          - Nonhuman Primate Evaluation and Analysis Part 2: Report of the Expert Panel Forum on Challenges in Assessing Nonhuman Primate Needs and Resources for Biomedical Research
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/about-orip/research-highlights/nonhuman-primate-evaluation-and-analysis-part-2-report-expert-panel
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/sites/default/files/NHP%20Evaluation%20and%20Analysis%20Final%20%20Report%20-%20Part%202%20Final%20508%2021Dec2018_002.pdf
                          - Fiscal Year 2020 Interim Awards Funding Policy
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/funding/awards-funding-policy
                          - Publication of Notices, RFIs, and Funding Opportunities
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/funding-opportunities-list
                          - Chimpanzee Management Program
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/comparative-medicine/programs/vertebrate-models#primates-cmp
                          - Physiological and Welfare Concerns of the At-Risk Chimpanzee Population
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ORIP_CH_ProjectMeetingReport_Final12212017_508.pdf
                          - Executive Summary for Physiological and Welfare Concerns of the At-Risk Chimpanzee Population
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/sites/default/files/CoC_May2018_ORIP_Extract.pdf
                          - Chimpanzee Health Categorization Framework: Harmonized Across NIH-supported Facilities
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ChimpanzeeHealthCategorizationFrameworkFinal_508.pdf
                          - Contract Solicitations: Contract for the operation and maintenance of the Chimpanzee Care Center (CCC). In accordance with FAR 5.2, a sources sought notice was published on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on October 3, 2019. The notice sought sources capable of satisfying the SOW in compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.
                          - https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=dc388769b59d6c00b446978a6ec580db&tab=core&_cview=0

**FIC**
                          - News and feature articles about Fogarty’s programs and grantee successes, scientific publications etc.:
                          - https://www.fic.nih.gov/News/Pages/News.aspx
                          - Weekly funding newsletter including items of interest to global health researchers:
                          - http://www.fic.nih.gov/Funding/News/
                          - Commentary and publications by Fogarty Director:
                          - http://www.fic.nih.gov/About/Pages/director.aspx
                          - Newly funded grants and awards:
                          - http://www.fic.nih.gov/Grants/Search/Pages/search-grants.aspx
                          - Distribute Global Health Matters newsletter featuring articles on program and grantee successes to more than 60k subscribers every 2 months
                          - http://www.fic.nih.gov/News/GlobalHealthMatters/Pages/default.aspx
                          - Distribute global health funding news to more than 46k subscribers weekly
                          - http://www.fic.nih.gov/Funding/News/Pages/default.aspx
                          - Share related information multiple times a week with more than 6,300 followers on Facebook
                          - https://www.facebook.com/fogarty.nih
                          - Share related information each business day with more than 13,700 followers on Twitter
                          - https://twitter.com/fogarty_nih

**NCATS:**
                          - ( https://ncats.nih.gov ).
                          - Annual reports, which can be found on the right rail and bottom at  https://ncats.nih.gov/about/center
                          - NCATS’ Role in the NIH HEAL Initiative:  https://ncats.nih.gov/heal
                          - Translational Science Education and Training:  https://ncats.nih.gov/training-education
                          - Funded activities under the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program:  https://ncats.nih.gov/files/ctsa-funding-information.pdf
                          - NCATS Strategic Plan:  https://ncats.nih.gov/strategicplan
                          - NCATS Toolkit for Patient-Focused Therapy Development:  https://ncats.nih.gov/toolkit
                          - Pre-Clinical Research Toolbox:  https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise/preclinical
                          - Clinical Research Toolbox:  https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise/clinical
                          - Assay Guidance Manual:  https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise/preclinical/agm,  including AGM Training Workshops:  https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise/preclinical/agm/training
                          - NCATS Day:  https://ncats.nih.gov/ncats-day
                          - NCATS SMART IRB Reliance Platform information:   https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise/clinical/smartirb
                          - NCATS Advisory Council/Cures Acceleration Network Review Board meeting agendas, minutes and videocasts:  https://ncats.nih.gov/advisory/council
                          - Concept Clearances:  https://ncats.nih.gov/advisory/concepts
                          - NCATS Advisory Council Subcommittees and Working Groups and reports:   https://ncats.nih.gov/advisory/council/subcomm
                          - NCATS Expertise and Resources:  https://ncats.nih.gov/expertise
                          - Licensing opportunities:  https://ncats.nih.gov/alliances/licensing
                          - NCATS Funding & Notices:  https://ncats.nih.gov/funding
                          - NCATS public website link to the NIH Reporter database at  http://report.nih.gov
                          - NCATS Releases and Announcements:  https://ncats.nih.gov/news/releases
                          - NCATS Feature Stories and News Briefs:  https://ncats.nih.gov/pubs/features
                          - Forms and Model agreements:  http://ncats.nih.gov/alliances/forms
                          - Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center:   https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
                          - NCATS Chemical Genomics Center resources (NCGC):  https://ncats.nih.gov/ncgc/capabilities/resources
                          - Budget and Congressional Justification:  https://ncats.nih.gov/about/center/budget
                          - Comment Policy:  https://ncats.nih.gov/comments
                          - NCATS public website link to language access services:   http://edi.nih.gov/consulting/language-access-program/about
                          - Job Opportunities:  https://ncats.nih.gov/jobs
                          - The NCATS Communications Branch leads Center strategic efforts to reach intended audiences with clear messaging. Tactics include, but are not limited to, the following:
                          - Website:  https://ncats.nih.gov
                          - Announce Listserv:  https://bit.ly/1sdOI5w
                          - E-Newsletter:  https://ncats.nih.gov/enews
                          - Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ncats.nih.gov
                          - Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ncats_nih_gov
                          - LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-center-for-advancing-translational-science-ncats
                          - YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/ncatsmedia

**NCI:**
                          -   https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/budget/plan/index
                          - Cancer Moonshot funding opportunities and updates:
                          - https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/moonshot-cancer-initiative
                          - Data Releases from the Genomic Data Commons (GDC):
                          - https://docs.gdc.cancer.gov/Data/Release_Notes/Data_Release_Notes/#data-release-180

**NHLBI:**
                          - Health Topics:  
                          - Anemia
                          - Blood Donation
                          - High Blood Cholesterol
                          - Iron-deficiency Anemia
                          - Sleep Apnea 
                          - Total Artificial Heart
                          - Vascular Dementia
                          - Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
                          - Sarcoidosis
                          - Congenital heart defects
                          - Defibrillator
                          - High Blood Pressure
                          - Venous Thromboembolism
                          - High Blood Triglycerides
                          - DASH Eating Plan  —updates
                          - Spanish Health Topics:
                          - Sleep Apnea
                          - Bronchoscopy
                          - Cardiac Rehabilitation
                          - Cardioversion
                          - Catheter Ablation
                          - CPAP
                          - Chest X-ray
                          - Chest CT Scan
                          - Cough
                          - Lung VQ Scan
                          - Oxygen Therapy
                          - Pulmonary Function Tests
                          - Sleep Studies
                          - Information about new research:
                          - SPRINT science instance
                          - Health Disparities and Inequities  Scientific Focus Area
                          - Cure Sickle Cell Disease science instance
                          - Data STAGE science instance
                          - Precision Medicine Activities Scientific Focus Area
                          - New initiatives:
                          - COPD National Action Plan
                          - Sickle Cell Disease: Research, Programs, and Progress

**NIA:**
                          - Budgets and testimony
                          - Inside NIA Blog
                          - Payline information and policies
                          - National Advisory Council on Aging meeting materials
                          - Bypass Budgets
                          - Alzheimer’s disease research implementation milestones database
                          - Access for researchers to request study data use such as  BLSA
                          - AMP-AD Knowledge Portal ,  AMP-AD Agora Platform
                          - International Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Research Portfolio
                          - Health information
                          - Concepts approved for funding, prior to possible formal funding announcements
                          - NIA-funded active Alzheimer’s and related dementias clinical trials
                          - Press releases, featured research, and events

**NIAID:**
                          - Budgets and testimony
                          - Inside NIA Blog
                          - Payline information and policies
                          - National Advisory Council on Aging meeting materials
                          - Bypass Budgets
                          - Alzheimer’s disease research implementation milestones database
                          - Access for researchers to request study data use such as  BLSA
                          - AMP-AD Knowledge Portal ,  AMP-AD Agora Platform
                          - International Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Research Portfolio
                          - Health information
                          - Concepts approved for funding, prior to possible formal funding announcements
                          - NIA-funded active Alzheimer’s and related dementias clinical trials
                          - Press releases, featured research, and events

**NIAMS:**
                          - NIAMS Intramural Research Program researchers regularly deposit data into public datasets. Some examples of such datasets are:
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE108801
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE117168
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE110685
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE96724
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE104022
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE98119
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE104334
                          - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE82144

**NIBIB:**
                          - NIBIB-funded science highlights : http://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom   
                          - Funding opportunities:  http://www.nibib.nih.gov/research-funding#quicktabs-funding_tabs=1    
                          - National Advisory Council for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering meeting agendas and meeting minutes:  http://www.nibib.nih.gov/about-nibib/advisory-council   
                          - NIBIB Congressional Justification:  http://www.nibib.nih.gov/about-nibib/budget   
                          - Results of the annual Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams Challenge:  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/training-careers/undergraduate-graduate/design-biomedical-undergraduateteams-debut-challenge
                          - Published results of workshop supported in part by NIBIB:   https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/national-experts-chart-roadmap-ai-medical-imaging
                          - Response: For all news and science highlights we share information with stakeholders and the public through social media (Google+, Facebook, and Twitter).  We also send notices to the NIBIB listserv when new content is added to the website and to announce meetings and events.  We also have a YouTube channel and post videos about NIBIB funded science and general educational information related to NIBIB supported research.  NIBIB also issues press releases for selected research findings or other significant announcements.  A few examples include:
                          - Grants funded through the NIH HEAL initiative:  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/nih-funds-945-million-research-tackle-national-opioid-crisis-through-nih-heal-initiative
                          - Report on using artificial intelligence in medical imaging:  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/nih-and-radiology-societies-map-path-translational-research-ai-medical-imaging

**NIDCR:**
                          - Information about funding opportunities and decisions is of particular interest to NIH/NIDCR stakeholders and the public. Examples of funding-related items that were posted on the NIDCR website in FY18 include:
                          - Request for input on Proposed Research/Funding Initiatives
                          - Information on Research Investments and Advances
                          - Meetings and proceedings of the NIDCR Advisory Council
                          - Funding Opportunity Announcements searchable by topic, funding type, activity codes, and other.
                          - Yearly lists of total award amounts to U.S. Academic Institutions and Dental Schools
                          - Funding Outcomes     
                          - NIH/NIDCR and grantee press releases and other news
                          - The NIDCR website also posts updated information (in English and Spanish) on a wide range of oral health topics. To answer frequent requests for how to obtain free or low-cost dental care, the Institute has created a Finding Dental Care web page.
                          - The Institute also produces a quarterly e-newsletter.

**NIDA:**
                          - The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study updates:  ABCDStudy.org
                          - The  ABCD Data Repository   stores and shares data generated by investigators as part of the ABCD.  The NIH seeks to encourage the use of these resources to achieve rapid scientific progress.
                          - The NIDA Data Share web site ( https://datashare.nida.nih.gov/ ) is an electronic environment that allows data from completed clinical trials to be distributed to investigators and the public.
                          - National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS), begun in August 2014, NDEWS builds upon but expands beyond the former NIDA Community Epidemiology Work Group by creating a broader network, adding a national perspective and incorporating innovative approaches for the identification and monitoring of emerging drug problems. NIDA Website:  https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/national-drug-early-warning-system-ndews ; NDEWS Website:  http://www.ndews.org/ ;  
                          - 2016-2020 NIDA Strategic Plan:  This plan ( https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/2016-2020-nida-strategic-plan ) outlines NIDA’s broad goals across basic science, prevention, treatment, and public health; identifies four priority focus areas that we believe present unique opportunities to be leveraged over the next 5 years; and reflects a flexible, dynamic approach that will allow us to adapt to new scientific and technological advances and changing public health needs, and to take advantage of scientific opportunities as they arise.
                          - NIDA Council:  In addition to posting the National Advisory Council Meeting Minutes ( https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/advisory-boards-groups/national-advisory-council-drug-abuse-nacda/council-meeting-minutes ), and the Director’s Reports to Council, we post the Director’s Presentation to Council  https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/advisory-boards-groups/national-advisory-council-drug-abuse-nacda/directors-reports . 
                          - News and Events: NIDA ensures the public is aware of major scientific advances, upcoming events and other news both through the NIDA landing page rotator ( https://www.drugabuse.gov/ ) and through its News and Events landing page ( https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events ).

**NIEHS:**
                          - NTP uses its website and several databases to store content available to the public.  Here are some specific proactive disclosures:
                          - NTP publishes the Report on Carcinogens (RoC), a congressionally mandated, science-based, public health document that the NTP prepared for the HHS Secretary.  See:  https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/index.html
                          - Reports & Abstracts on Test Articles - NTP has the full text of hundreds of reports and abstracts available on test articles it has studied, and adds more regularly as they are finalized. See:  http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/index.html
                          - Alternate Test Methods - NICEATM publishes on alternate test methods. See  http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/evalatm/publications-and-presentations/index.html
                          - NTP Monographs - NTP conducts literature-based evaluations that assess evidence on substances in our environment that may cause adverse health effects. See:  https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/hat/index.html
                          - Databases & Searches - NTP makes several databases and online searches available at no cost. See  http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/dbsearch/index.html
                          - Pathology Tables for Peer Review - To inform the public in a timely manner, NTP makes available information on the pathology, body weight changes and survival of completed 2-year studies as soon as possible after the appropriate reviews of the data have been made. See  http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/path/index.html
                          - Summaries/Associations - NTP has put together sets of summaries and associations based on frequently asked questions by the public. See  http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/summaries/index.html
                          - Initiatives - NTP initiatives include Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21). See  https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/tox21/index.html

**NIMH:**
                          - NIMH Strategic Plan for Research
                          - NIMH Clinical Trials Funding Opportunity Announcements:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/opportunities-announcements/clinical-trials-foas/index.shtml
                          - Funding Opportunities ( http://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/index.shtml ):  This information is continually updated with many postings on program announcements, requests for applications, policy announcements, and other opportunities as well as related information on Institute priorities and our Strategic Plan, grant writing and approval, managing grants, and training and development.
                          - Inside NIMH  Newsletter: Funding News for Current and Future NIMH Awardees (published 3 times per year coinciding with Council meetings):  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/inside-nimh/index.shtml
                          - Reports, press releases, podcasts, and webinars on current research findings and meetings, as well as about NIMH scientists and grantees earning various awards (main page):  ( **http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/index.shtml** )   
                          - NIMH-Supported Researcher to Receive John Dirks Canada Gairdner Award for Global Health:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nimh-supported-researcher-to-receive-john-dirks-canada-gairdner-award-for-global-health.shtml
                          - Fifth Annual BRAIN Initiative Investigators Meeting:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/fifth-annual-brain-initiative-investigators-meeting.shtml
                          - NIMH Grantees Named Recipients of Prestigious Presidential Award:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nimh-grantees-named-recipients-of-prestigious-presidential-award.shtml
                          - Mental Health Research Centers Forge Collaborations – with ALACRITY:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/mental-health-research-centers-forge-collaborations-with-alacrity.shtml
                          - New Findings Reveal Surprising Role of the Cerebellum in Reward and Social Behaviors:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/new-findings-reveal-surprising-role-of-the-cerebellum-in-reward-and-social-behaviors.shtml
                          - Puerto Rico’s “Fear Lab” Mentors Neuroscience Rigor amid Diversity:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/puerto-ricos-fear-lab-mentors-neuroscience-rigor-amid-diversity.shtml
                          - Brain Biomarkers Could Help Identify Those at Risk of Severe PTSD:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/brain-biomarkers-could-help-identify-those-at-risk-of-severe-ptsd.shtml
                          - Mega Docking Library Poised to Speed Drug Discovery:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/mega-docking-library-poised-to-speed-drug-discovery.shtml
                          - Neuromelanin-Sensitive MRI Identified as a Potential Biomarker for Psychosis:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/neuromelanin-sensitive-mri-identified-as-a-potential-biomarker-for-psychosis.shtml
                          - NIH Study Shows Many Preteens Screen Positive for Suicide Risk During ER Visits:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nih-study-shows-many-preteens-screen-positive-for-suicide-risk-during-er-visits.shtml
                          - NIH Study Reveals Differences in Brain Activity in Children with Anhedonia:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nih-study-reveals-differences-in-brain-activity-in-children-with-anhedonia.shtml
                          - Bench-to-Bedside: NIMH Research Leading to Brexanolone, First-Ever Drug Specifically for Postpartum Depression:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/bench-to-bedside-nimh-research-leading-to-brexanolone-first-ever-drug-specifically-for-postpartum-depression.shtml
                          - Ketamine Reverses Neural Changes Underlying Depression-Related Behaviors in Mice:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/ketamine-reverses-neural-changes-underlying-depression-related-behaviors-in-mice.shtml
                          - NIH BRAIN Initiative Tool May Transform How Scientists Study Brain Structure and Function:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nih-brain-initiative-tool-may-transform-how-scientists-study-brain-structure-and-function.shtml
                          - Release of “13 Reasons Why” Associated with Increase in Youth Suicide Rates:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/release-of-13-reasons-why-associated-with-increase-in-youth-suicide-rates.shtml
                          - Crisis and Suicide Prevention Services Struggle with Demand after Celebrity Suicides:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/crisis-and-suicide-prevention-services-struggle-with-demand-after-celebrity-suicides.shtml
                          - Novel Method Identifies Patients at Risk for HIV Who May Benefit From Prevention Strategies:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/novel-method-identifies-patients-at-risk-for-hiv-who-may-benefit-from-prevention-strategies.shtml
                          - Gene Regulators Work Together for Oversized Impact on Schizophrenia Risk:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/gene-regulators-work-together-for-oversized-impact-on-schizophrenia-risk.shtml
                          - Study Reveals Sex-Based Differences in the Development of Brain Hubs Involved in Memory and Emotion:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/study-reveals-sex-based-differences-in-the-development-of-brain-hubs-involved-in-memory-and-emotion.shtml
                          - Schizophrenia Risk Gene Linked to Cognitive Deficits in Mice: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/schizophrenia-risk-gene-linked-to-cognitive-deficits-in-mice.shtml
                          - Autism in Adults:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/autism-in-adults.shtml
                          - Dr. Niko Kriegeskorte: How can computer models help us better understand the brain?:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/dr-niko-kriegeskorte-how-can-computer-models-help-us-better-understand-the-brain.shtml
                          - Danny Pine, M.D.: Can clinical fMRI research transfer to the clinic?:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/danny-pine-md-can-clinical-fmri-research-transfer-to-the-clinic.shtml
                          - Francisco Pereira, Ph.D.: How can machine learning help brain imaging?:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/francisco-pereira-brain-imaging.shtml
                          - Science News, Science Updates, and Highlights of important research topics such as Sensorimotor Domain Added to the RDoC Framework:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/sensorimotor-domain-added-to-the-rdoc-framework.shtml
                          - NIMH Announces New Clinical Research Toolbox:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nimh-announces-new-clinical-research-toolbox.shtml
                          - NIH Announces Funding Awards for National Early Psychosis Learning Community:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2019/nih-announces-funding-awards-for-national-early-psychosis-learning-community.shtml
                          - Health Stigma and Discrimination: A Global, Cross-cutting Research Approach:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/health-stigma-and-discrimination-a-global-cross-cutting-research-approach.shtml
                          - RDoC Webinar: Suicide Intervention Research and Treatment:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/rdoc-webinar-suicide-intervention-research-and-treatment.shtml
                          - Federal Advisory Committee Act (Activities):
                          - National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC): The NAMHC advises the HHS Secretary, the NIH Director, and the NIMH Director on all policies and activities relating to the conduct and support of mental health research, research training and other programs of the Institute.  In response to scheduled meetings, NIMH updated these dedicated web pages with agendas, Director’s reports, and minutes:
                          - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups/namhc/index.shtml  (council report)
                          - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups/namhc/past-namhc-meetings.shtml  (meeting agendas and minutes)
                          - NIMH Concept Clearances – NIMH updated this dedicated web page providing links to eight newly cleared concepts for upcoming solicitations and related NIMH staff contacts. This listing of potential future initiatives is meant to provide the earliest possible alert to potential applicants in order to maximize application preparation time:   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups/namhc/namhc-concept-clearances.shtml
                          - Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC):
                          - The IACC is a FACA that provides advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  The Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC/NIMH) oversees and regularly adds new material to the IACC website including agendas, meeting materials and slides, biographies, transcripts, approved minutes, Congressional and other reports, publications, news items, public comments, and webcasts.  [NOTE:  IACC information is posted on the HHS site by the staff of the Office of Autism Research Coordination, NIMH:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/
                          - Guidelines for submission of public comments to the committee:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/guidelines/
                          - Public comments are posted.  Providing these comments eliminates the need to send the comment packets out in response to requests for information:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/index.jsp .  Older material has been archived but is still immediately available:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/public-comments/requests-for-information/archives/ .
                          - Committee members and bios are posted:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/about-iacc/members/bios   <
                          - Complete records of IACC meetings:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/iacc-meetings/
                          - IACC Publications:  https://iacc.hhs.gov/publications/
                          Funding Opportunities are continually updated as information is received: 
https://iacc.hhs.gov/funding/opportunities/

                          National Autism Awareness Month (multiple news items posted): 
https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2019/

                          Latest Autism News: 
https://iacc.hhs.gov/news/latest/

                          IACC News Updates:

                          2018 Summary of Advances Spotlights Autism Research Advances

                          Report to Congress on Activities Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

                          2016 IACC ASD Research Portfolio Analysis Report Provides First Analysis of 2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan Objectives

                          First International Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research Portfolio Analysis Report Analyzes 2016 Data from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia

                          Autism Events and Webinars: 
https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-events/

                          IACC and Autism related videos: 
https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/multimedia/

                          The Autism Research Database (
https://iacc.hhs.gov/funding/data/
) is a full-text searchable web-based application and is a companion to the 2008-2016 Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Portfolio Analysis Reports. The Portfolio Analyses are produced on behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) to better inform the IACC and interested stakeholders about the funding landscape and current directions for ASD research. 

                          Training, Educational, and Health Information sites:

                          Meeting summaries describing workshops and conferences hosted by NIMH or our grantees: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/events/index.shtml

                          Consumer health information and publications (brochures, fact sheets, and eBooks) on many different mental disorders and topics available in English and Spanish: 
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/index.shtml
   

                          Information about careers at NIMH and resources for job opportunities: 
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/careers/index.shtml

                          Social media: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/social-media/index.shtml

                          Twitter chats to inform and answer questions from the public on topics like eating disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/social-media/twitter/index.shtml

                          NIMH Facebook Live: How Does Puberty Affect Brain Development? 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2019/nimh-facebook-live-how-does-puberty-affect-brain-development.shtml

                          Reddit “Ask Me Anything” on Suicide Prevention for Suicide Prevention Month

                          Other multimedia: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/index.shtml

                          Outreach Efforts and Events

                          NIMH developed a new NIMH Education and Awareness portal on its website with tools and resources designed for and dedicated to outreach. The portal features sharable social media graphics and messages, videos, podcasts, mental health information, brochures and fact sheets, statistics, and announcements about upcoming live events and exhibits: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/index.shtml

                          NIMH launched 
Discover NIMH
, a new e-newsletter for stakeholders to highlight mental health information, shareable social media messages and graphics, and information about publications, activities, and events for use by stakeholders in their community mental health outreach and education. 4 issues were distributed in 2019.

                          Outreach efforts, public liaison activities, and upcoming events are continually shared and updated: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/index.shtml

                          NIMH maintains its list of Outreach Partners representing all states, DC, and PR. Outreach Partners disseminate NIMH research findings and educational materials to the public throughout their states and local communities; they conduct outreach activities to address the needs of various populations experiencing or at-risk for mental health disparities. The contacts are updated throughout the year as needed: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/outreach-partners.shtml

                          NIMH maintains its list of National Partners representing professional, consumer, advocacy, and service-related organizations with a nationwide membership or audience. These partners work with Outreach Partners to enhance the effectiveness of each other’s work. This page is updated as needed throughout the year: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/national-partners.shtml

                          During 2019, NIMH published 3 issues of the Outreach Connection newsletter containing highlights of Outreach and National Partner activities. Each issue averages 14,350 subscribers (increase of 2,890 since last year): 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/news-and-updates-from-the-program.shtml

                          NIMH posted and shared a summary from the Outreach Partnership Program 2019 Annual Meeting: insert URL after posting or use meeting landing page: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/meetings/index.shtml

                          NIMH sent the 
Update
 (1x/month) to its Listserv, with the latest mental health-related science news, resources, and grant opportunities available from across Federal Government (NIMH sunset the Update in August 2019): 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/news-and-updates-from-the-program.shtml

                          In early FY19, NIMH posted a meeting of the NIMH Alliance for Research Progress 2018 Meeting. The Alliance is a group of patient and family advocates from national voluntary organizations representing individuals with mental illness convened annually to hear information on research advances, to allow representatives to share their views and concerns about current Institute priorities directly with the NIMH Director and senior staff: 
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/alliance/index.shtml

                          The NIMH Data Archive
: 
http://data-archive.nimh.nih.gov/

                          The Archive is a group of Federal data repositories based on an informatics platform for research domains related to mental health.  It also serves as a scientific community platform and portal to multiple other research repositories, allowing for aggregation and secondary analysis of data.  The NIMH Data Archive team regularly adds new material and data to the websites of the repositories included in the Archive: 

                          The repository was initially established as the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR).  In 2015, the system expanded to make data available via the following websites:

                          National Database for Autism Research (NDAR)

                          National Database for Clinical Trials Related to Mental Illness (NDCT)

                          Research Domain Criteria Database (RDoCdb)

                          Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

                          The National Database for Autism Research (NDAR; 
http://ndar.nih.gov
): The NDAR team regularly adds new material and data to the NDAR website NDAR is an NIH-funded research data repository that aims to accelerate progress in autism spectrum disorder research. NDAR has federated with the following repositories:

                          Pediatric MRI Data Repository
 — stores rich phenotypic and imaging data from more than 500 typically developing children, from birth to young adulthood.

                          The National Database for Clinical Trials Related to Mental Illness (NDCT; 
http://ndct.nimh.nih.gov
): NIMH has made data sharing an expectation for all future clinical trials funded by NIMH; researchers are expected to submit both positive and negative data and results from NIMH-funded clinical trials.  NDCT will provide a system to support submission, sharing and access. At present, data submitted to NDCT will be the result of grants funded through NIMH. 

                          The Research Domain Criteria Database (RDoCdb; 
http://rdocdb.nimh.nih.gov
):  Data will include the results of grants funded through NIMH, as well as relevant data submitted by other interested investigators regardless of funding source.  Information about RDoC and the database (RDoCdb) have been posted at 
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/rdoc/index.shtml
.

                          The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD: 
http://data-archive.nimh.nih.gov/
): This is the largest long-term study of cognitive and brain development in children across the United States to date. The project will recruit 10,000 healthy children age 9-10 and follow them over 10 years into early adulthood. The ABCD Repository will house data generated as part of this study.

                          The NIH NeuroBioBank – The NIH-funded Neurobiobank is a national resource for investigators utilizing human post-mortem brain tissue and related biospecimens for their research to understand conditions of the nervous system: 
https://neurobiobank.nih.gov/
.

                          **NIMHD:**
                          Director’s Corner -  
http://nimhd.nih.gov/about/directors-corner/index.html
NIMHD Staff Directory - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/staff-directory.html
Extramural Research Programs - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/extramural/
NIMHD Research Framework - 
https://nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/research-framework.html
NIMHD funding opportunities - 
https://nimhd.nih.gov/funding/nimhd-funding/
Intramural Research Programs - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/intramural/
NIMHD Publications - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/publications/
NIMHD Science Visioning - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/science-visioning/
Feature Articles - 
http://nimhd.nih.gov/news-events/features/
News/Press Releases -  
http://nimhd.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/
NIMHD Insights Blog 
- http://nimhd.blogs.govdelivery.com/
NIMHD e-Newsletter - 
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIHNIMHD/bulletins/1ac3efa
National Minority Health Month April 2018 – 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/nmhm/2018.html
NIMHD Advisory Council reports and meeting minutes - 
http://nimhd.nih.gov/about/advisory-council/
Approved Research Concepts - 
https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/funding/approved-concepts/
Conferences & Events, reformatted - 
https://nimhd.nih.gov/news-events/conferences-events/
  
Resources page - 
http://www.nimhd.nih.gov/resources/

                          **NINDS:**
                          NINDS continues to serve as the lead for a trans-NIH initiative on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In CY 2019, NINDS posted comments that were received in response to a ME/CFS related Request For Information  (
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/Who-We-Are/Advisory-Council/MECFS-Working-Group/Responses-Request-Information-Soliciting
) as part of its efforts to be proactive in providing public information.  This proactive process led by NINDS encouraged input from patient and clinical interests and demonstrated keen awareness of patient concerns.   
NINDS continues to serve as the lead for a trans-NIH initiative on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In CY 2019, NINDS posted comments that were received in response to a ME/CFS related Request For Information  (
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/Who-We-Are/Advisory-Council/MECFS-Working-Group/Responses-Request-Information-Soliciting
) as part of its efforts to be proactive in providing public information.  This proactive process led by NINDS encouraged input from patient and clinical interests and demonstrated keen awareness of patient concerns.   
Bell’s Palsy fact sheet: 
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Bells-Palsy-Fact-Sheet
Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures fact sheet: 
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Neurological-Diagnostic-Tests-and-Procedures-Fact
Rett Syndrome fact sheet: 
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Rett-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet
Spinal Muscular Atrophy fact sheet: 
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Spinal-Muscular-Atrophy-Fact-Sheet

                          **NINR:**
                          NINR recently added a women’s health page to its website that highlights research, both conducted at and funded by NINR. The new page explains how nursing research informs women’s health and demonstrates how NINR helps to advance the careers of women scientists:

                          https://www.ninr.nih.gov/researchandfunding/spotlights-on-nursing-research/womens-health-and-nursing-science

                          NINR recently added a spotlight on symptom science and nursing research, which highlights the NINR Symptom Science Center as well as research conducted at and supported by NINR:

                          https://www.ninr.nih.gov/researchandfunding/spotlights-on-nursing-research/symptomscience

                          Several new videos have been live broadcast and posted to the NINR YouTube channel (
www.youtube.com/NINRnews
), including:

                          Social media outlets such as Twitter (twitter.com/NINR),YouTube (
www.youtube.com/user/NINRnews
), and LinkedIn (
www.linkedin.com/company/NINR
)

                          NINR launched a shopping cart where the public can order or download NINR publications. It helps users easily find and access all materials in one place (
https://www.ninr.nih.gov/newsandinformation/publications/palliative-care-resources
).

                          **2. Beyond posting new material, is your agency taking steps to make the posted information more useful to the public, especially to the community of individuals who regularly access your agency’s website?**
                          The Department continues to actively use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Pinterest and GooglePlus to communicate and disseminate information to the public. Some examples of HHS OpDiv initiatives are described below:
                          The five main OS/ASPA-managed websites, which include HHS.gov, had a total of 28.2 million users, 61.2 million unique page views, and 95 million total page views. In FY19, 42% of users on average accessed an OS/ASPA-managed site using a mobile or tablet device, continuing the growth and importance of mobile communications.

                          The CDC FOIA tracking system has a utility that identifies similar requests.  It is utilized as a guidepost and rely on staff to monitor and identify requests similar in nature. The CDC FOIA office is reviewing options to make its website more user friendly, to include sorting and searching records. 

                          The CMS, in response to public demand, continues to make Public Use Files available on its website. 

                          The FDA FOIA Office reviews every FOIA request prior to logging and assignment on a daily basis.  During that process, staff members identifies requests for records that should be proactively posted under the requirements of the FOIA.  The FDA FOIA Office works with the components that maintain those records in order to have them proactively posted.  The various components may also determine based on their own processing of requests that certain records should be proactively posted. FDA uses social media, such as Facebook.  

                          The NIH FOIA Officer reviews the log of all incoming FOIA requests weekly and identifies frequently requested documents that appear to be of interest.  The NIH FOIA Officer also reviews all completed requests monthly which also enables her to identify frequently requested documents.  In addition, each of the NIH FOIA Coordinators also reviews their individual logs (available from the NIH-wide Tracking System) to identify frequently requested documents or program areas in which there is continued interest.  Finally, the NIH FOIA Community meets monthly.  During those meetings, materials produced more than three times in response to FOIA requests are identified for posting.

                          **3. If yes, please provide examples of such improvements.**
                          Yes.  HHS continues its efforts to make more information available through mobile applications and increase its presence in social media; thereby expanding access to more useful information and data. In addition, the Department’s FOIA Offices continue to make their online content and navigation tools more user-friendly, to include the use of “topical terms” to aid requesters in their search efforts.
                          **4. Optional --  Please describe:**
                          Best practices used to improve proactive disclosures

                          Any challenges your agency faces in this area

                          FDA uses social media, such as Facebook. See 
www.facebook.com/fda
.  FDA has increased its Twitter feeds, with each component having its own Twitter feed. The Commissioner writes a blog on high visibility issues (
https://blogs.fda.gov/fdavoice/
). FDA posts high priority public information on the homepage of the agency website, 
https://www.fda.gov/default.htm
. The FDA provides the public with the ability to subscribe to RSS feed notices or sign up to receive automated emails for updates to over 100 different web pages/databases (see 
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/GetEmailUpdates/default.htm
).  FDA completed a redesign of its website in 2019.

                          HRSA’s extremely large and complex UDS database is primarily of interest to the academic community and others who carefully monitor the performance of the FQHCS.  But for more general consumption, the HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care posts “Health Center Profiles” for each FQHC that are based on their annual UDS report. These profiles are readily understandable “snapshots” that present a summary of the UDS data which is most indicative of how many patients were seen and what type off care was provided to them by a particular FQHC in a given year.  These profiles are located at: 
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/uds/datacenter.aspx?q=da

                          NIH:

                          The NIH FOIA Officer attends weekly meetings with the NIH Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison and his deputies, including the Deputy Director for Public Affairs and the Chief of the News Media Branch.  At these meetings, current media issues are discussed as well as upcoming NIH events.  Those for which we anticipate interest are identified for proactive disclosure. 
The NIH Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison meets bi-monthly with the Communications Directors of the NIH Institutes and Centers where matters of interest to the public are discussed and identified for proactive disclosure.  Especially when major research initiatives are being announced, those involved identify material that will assist with informing the public and that information is posted at the time of the announcement. 
The NIH Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison, the FOIA Officer’s direct reporting official, also attends weekly meetings of NIH Leadership where program initiatives, upcoming meetings and high-profile matters are discussed.  Any matter he believes may be appropriate for proactive disclosure are then discussed with the FOIA Officer.
Within the NIH components, various communications, research, and policy individuals monitor their component’s activities and research portfolios for matters appropriate for proactive disclosure.  The Communications offices also monitor correspondence from the public and stakeholders for topics of general interest.  Web teams monitor websites for sites that receive many views to identify material that might be appropriate for translation into other languages.

                          The HHS FOIA Offices continue to work with requesters to explore new and improved ways to post online information. Some examples of these actions are described below:
                          CMS - Requests for beneficiary records comprises approximately 85% of requests for CMS.  Those records contain Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and Personal Health Information (PHI), which is protected information and therefore only provided directly to the requester. Additionally, CMS often receives requests for large data sets related to Medicare claims, healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, etc.  Even if the data sets do not necessarily contain beneficiary PII or PHI, they are difficult to post publicly under Section 508 guidelines given the lengthy descriptions of artifacts and tables necessary to interpret the complex data.
IHS currently works with IT staff to develop proactive disclosures.
NIH - Within the NIH components, various communications, research, and policy individuals monitor their component’s activities and research portfolios for matters appropriate for proactive disclosure.  The Communications offices also monitor correspondence from the public and stakeholders for topics of general interest.  Web teams monitor websites for sites that receive many views to identify material that might be appropriate for translation into other languages.

                          Introduction:
Agency Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer
Section I:
Steps Taken to Apply the Presumption of Openness
Section II:
Steps Taken to Ensure that Your Agency Has an Effective System in Place for Responding to Requests
Section III:
Steps Taken to Increase Proactive Disclosures
Section IV:
Steps Taken to Greater Utilize Technology
Section V:
Steps Taken to Improve Timeliness in Responding to Requests and Reducing Backlogs
Success Stories

Content last reviewed April 2, 2020