-  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 

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# 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 links to the posted material.**

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 FY 2018.
                          - The CDC posted records regarding the Flint water crisis and media policy. See:  https://foia.cdc.gov/app/ReadingRoom.aspx
                          - The CMS has proactively disclosed the following information:
                          - Opioid Roadmap 6/2018  https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/Downloads/Opioid-epidemic-roadmap.pdf
                          - New Medicare Cards: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/new-medicare-card/nmc-home.html
                          - Patients Over Paperwork;  https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/story-page/patients-over-paperwork.html
                          - 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 continued 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. See:  https://www.hrsa.gov/foia/electronic-reading.html
                          - NIH has proactively disclosed the following information:
                          - NIH FOIA Logs for 2018:  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
                          - CSR Peer Review Notes:  http://inside.csr.nih.gov/Committees/DivisionDirectors/Shared%20Documents1/ALL%20HANDS%20January%20209%20Council.pdf
                          - CSR Advisory Council Information (Agenda, minutes, roster, etc.):  http://public.csr.nih.gov/aboutcsr/CSROrganization/Pages/CSRAC.aspx
                          - Study section information, rosters, and meetings dates:  http://public.csr.nih.gov/StudySections/Pages/default.aspx   http://public.csr.nih.gov/RosterAndMeetings/pages/default.aspx
                          - SR news and Policy:  https://public.csr.nih.gov/NewsAndPolicy

**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
                          - Added Twitter feed to 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
                          - Workshop Reports:  https://orip.nih.gov/about-orip/workshop-reports
                          - Data on S10 Instrumentation Awards:  https://orip.nih.gov/construction-and-instruments/s10-instrumentation-programs
                          - Nonhuman Primate Evaluation and Analysis Part 1: Analysis of Future Demand and Supply:  https://orip.nih.gov/about-orip/research-highlights/nonhuman-primate-evaluation-and-analysis-part-1-analysis-future
                          - Fiscal Year 2018 Awards Funding Policy:  https://orip.nih.gov/funding/awards-funding-policy
                          - Publication of Notices and RFIs:  https://orip.nih.gov/NHPAnalysis
                          - Executive Summary Responses to RFIs:  https://orip.nih.gov/construction-and-instruments
                          - Chimpanzee Management Program:
                          - https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/statements/nih-develop-uniform-standards-seek-independent-input-relocation-risk-chimpanzees
                          - https://orip.nih.gov/comparative-medicine/programs/vertebrate-models#primates-cmp
                          - Contract Solicitations: Contract for the operation and maintenance of the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF). In accordance with FAR 5.2, a sources sought notice was published on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on May 30, 2018. The notice sought sources capable of satisfying the SOW in compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies. See:  https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e6704d3a3880cb0d2fe101b07f48c820&tab=core&_cview=0
                          - Additionally, an intent to sole source notice was subsequently published on FBO on September 20, 2018. The notice publicized the Government's intent to sole source the requirement to Charles River Laboratories, Inc. but it also provided another opportunity for other capable resources to respond. The notice closed on October 05, 2018. See:  https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e6704d3a3880cb0d2fe101b07f48c820&tab=core&_cview=0
                          - Contract for the Operation and Maintenance of the Federal Chimpanzee Sanctuary System for Retired Chimpanzees:
                          - April 7, 2017 Pre-solicitation:  https://www.fbo.gov/index.php?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=cdc41b38756bf84ec8455224842c53d8&tab=core&_cview=0
                          - March 17, 2017 Sources Sought:  https://www.fbo.gov/index.php?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=ffb8c0ff20b82288da16b73dd3867346&tab=core&_cview=0
                          - The award for the contract for the operation and maintenance of the Federal Sanctuary was posted October 23, 2017:  https://www.fbo.gov/index.php?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=6a6709e45e976fdbb4231f270d42a20f&tab=core&_cview=0
                          - News and feature articles about Fogarty's programs and grantee successes, scientific publications etc.:  http://www.fic.nih.gov/News/
                          - 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
                          - Publications and information produced as a part of the Center's 50th anniversary:   https://www.fic.nih.gov/About/50th-anniversary/Pages/default.aspx

**NCATS:**
                          - 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

**NCI:**
                          - Cancer Moonshot funding opportunities and updates:  https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/moonshot-cancer-initiative/funding/upcoming
                          - NCI Annual Plan & Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2020
                          - https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/budget/plan
                          - Trial Results in Lung Cancer Treatment:
                          - https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2018/durvalumab-brigatinib-lung-cancer-trials

**NHLBI:**
                          - Health Topics
                          - Anemia  (1/2018)
                          - Blood Donation  (1/2018)
                          - High Blood Cholesterol  (1/2018)
                          - Iron-deficiency Anemia  (3/2018)
                          - Sleep Apnea  (1/2018)
                          - Total Artificial Heart  (2/2018)
                          - Vascular Dementia  (1/2018)
                          - Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome  (1/2018)
                          - Sarcoidosis  (3/2018)
                          - 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—New
                          - Cure Sickle Cell Disease science instance —New
                          - Data STAGE science instance —New
                          - Precision Medicine Activities Scientific Focus Area  —minor update
                          - New initiatives
                          - COPD National Action Plan  (Updated, 2/2018)
                          - Sickle Cell Disease: Research, Programs, and Progress  (9/2018)
                          - Website and social media awareness
                          - NHLBI Engagement and Media Relations Team featured  Today's Faces of Sickle Cell Disease , a campaign that elevates the stories of people, including patients, researchers, advocates, and caregivers, who have dedicated their lives to finding a widely available cure for sickle cell disease (9/2017)
                          - NHLBI Engagement and Media Relations Team hosted the  "Sickle Cell Research Directions: Toward a Widely Available Cure"  NHLBI's first Facebook Live (9/2017)
                          - NHLBI Health Education team ensured that The COPD National Action Plan was finalized (20K printed). A new webpage was developed and promotional resources were created including COPD National Action Plan At-A-Glance (25K printed and electronic version developed); one outreach toolkit; one fact sheet; one slide set for partners to use to promote the plan; social media resources including shareable images and COPD state prevalence infocards; one COPD Nation Action Plan video; and four animations promoting the goals of the Action Plan. (7-9/2017)
                          - NHLBI Engagement and Media Relations Team produced and published  2017 Orloff winners  (videos produced in 2017 and released in Jan. 2018)
                          - NHLBI Health Education team updated the COPD plan, ancillary materials, and webpage with new COPD statistics. COPD moved from the 3rd leading cause of death to 4th so all materials had to be updated.(2/2018)
                          - NHLBI Health Education team developed and distributed quarterly newsletter for the Breathe Better Network and Learn More Breathe Better program, reaching more than 12,000 subscribers (1-3/2018)
                          - NHLBI Health Education team developed and created 111 American Heart Month resources, including: 10 Facebook posts and 10 Tweets (2 Spanish), 3 social media cards (1 Spanish), 1 Wear Red Day print-your-own sticker. (1-3/2018)
                          - NHLBI Engagement and Media Relations Team Conducted social campaigns to promote #MoveWithHeart kinetic video and pledge initiative on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (1-3/2018)
                          - NHLBI Engagement and Media Relations Team hosted a  Facebook Live event  to share messages about high blood pressure on World Hypertension Day. The NHLBI's partner, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), also participated in the event. The Facebook Page garnered more than 30,000 impressions and a reach of 22,032 people. (2/2018)
                          - Press releases
                          - Short-term increases in inhaled steroid doses do not prevent asthma flare-ups in children  (3/2018)
                          - NIH statement on World Asthma Day 2018  The NHLBI Science Policy Outreach and Reporting Team and the Engagement and Media Relations Team in collaboration with NIEHS/NIAID (5/2018)
                          - More patients survive sudden cardiac arrest with new EMS technique  (8/2018)
                          - NIH lanza iniciativa para acelerar búsqueda de terapias genéticas para curar la enfermedad de células falciformes  (9/2018)
                          - NHLBI research grants advance sickle cell treatment from lab to patients  (9/2018)
                          - Gene mutation points to new way to fight diabetes, obesity, heart disease  (10/2018)

**NIAID**
                          - News Releases:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/all
                          - News from our Grantees:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/niaid-funded-research-news
                          - Funding News Letter:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/funding-news
                          - Job and Career Information:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/careers-training-opportunities

**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-undergraduate-teams-debut-challenge
                          - Program Webinars for researchers interested in applying for NIH grants:   https://www.nibib.nih.gov/program_pointers
                          - Published results of workshop supported in part by NIBIB:  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/meetings-events/gadolinium-deposition-what-we-know-and-dont-know-research-roadmap
                          - Announce the selection of a new NIBIB Director -  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/nih-taps-bruce-j-tromberg-phd-lead-national-institute-biomedical-imaging-and
                          - Announce a workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Medical Imaging -  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/nih-host-artificial-intelligence-and-medical-imaging-workshop-0
                          - Explain the results of NIBIB research project -  https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/better-together-merged-microscope-offers-unprecedented-look-biological-0

**NIDCR**
                          - Request for input on  Proposed 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
                          - NIDCR also posts information (in English and Spanish) on a wide range of  oral health topics  on its website. To answer frequent requests for how to obtain free or low-cost dental care, the Institute has created a  Finding Dental Care  web page.

**NIDA:**
                          - The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study updates:  ABCDStudy.org  The  ABCD Data Repository  was established to store and share 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. Currently there are 71 clinical trial datasets available on the site. The following trials were added during the reporting period:
                          - NIDA-CSP-1019 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Selegiline Transdermal System For The Treatment Of Cocaine Dependence
                          - NIDA-CSP-1021 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multi-Center Trial Of Baclofen For The Treatment Of Cocaine Dependence
                          - NIDA-CSP-1022 Phase 2, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Selegiline Transdermal System (STS) As An Aid For Smoking Cessation
                          - NIDA-CTN-0049 Project HOPE - Hospital Visit as Opportunity for Prevention and Engagement for HIV-Infected Drug Users
                          - NIDA-CTN-0053 Achieving Cannabis Cessation-Evaluating N-Acetylcysteine Treatment (ACCENT)
                          - NIDA-CTO-0008 Phase 2, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Bupropion for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence
                          - NIDA-CTO-0010 Assessment of Potential Interactions Between Methamphetamine and Bupropion
                          - NIDA-MDS-0002 Assessment of Interactions Between Methamphetamine and Aripiprazole
                          - Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey results released each fall: Overview:  http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future
                          - Survey data:  https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future
                          - 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 ).

**NTP**
                          - 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**
                          - Strategic Planning, Budget, and Funding Information:
                          - Strategic Research Priorities: To keep pace with rapid developments in research on mental illnesses, NIMH released updates to its Strategic Research Priorities (SRPs)  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2017/nimh-releases-strategic-research-priorities-update.shtml . The SRPs support and align with the Strategic Objectives in the  NIMH Strategic Plan for Research . These priorities serve as guidance to NIMH grantees, potential grant applicants, and staff for the design and implementation of future research. NIMH plans to review and update the SRPs on an annual basis, to ensure that our priorities reflect the current state of science and to address research gaps:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/strategic-research-priorities/index.shtml
                          - 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 )
                          - Current NIMH-funded research findings, such as:
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimh-director-joshua-gordon-and-irp-researcher-ellen-leibenluft-elected-to-the-national-academy-of-medicine.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/media-advisory-nimh-researchers-available-to-discuss-the-suicide-prevention-research.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/new-toolkit-offers-ways-to-evaluate-suicide-prevention-efforts-in-arctic-communities.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/targeted-e-health-hiv-intervention-reduces-stis-and-sexual-risk-behaviors.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/intervention-shows-promise-for-treating-depression-in-preschool-aged-children.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/delay-in-hiv-treatment-associated-with-brain-atrophy.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/inherited-variations-in-noncoding-sections-of-dna-associated-with-autism.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimh-conference-to-explore-mental-health-services-research.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/new-processing-technique-helps-researchers-use-electronic-health-records-to-study-biological-contributors-to-mental-illnesses.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimh-to-host-twitter-chat-on-teen-depression.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/hubs-help-native-american-communities-address-youth-suicide.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimhs-dr-ann-wagner-designated-as-the-national-autism-coordinator.shtml
                          - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimh-twitter-chat-on-seasonal-affective-disorder.shtml
                          - NIH Releases First Dataset from Unprecedented Study of Adolescent Brain Development:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nih-releases-first-dataset-from-unprecedented-study-of-adolescent-brain-development.shtml
                          - Molecular Secrets Revealed: Antipsychotic Docked in its Receptor:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/molecular-secrets-revealed-antipsychotic-docked-in-its-receptor.shtml
                          - Memory Gene Goes Viral:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/memory-gene-goes-viral.shtml  Science News, Science Updates, and Highlights of important research topics such as:
                          - A Shorter—but Effective—Treatment for PTSD:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/a-shorter-but-effective-treatment-for-ptsd.shtml
                          - Inflammation in Pregnant Moms Linked to Child's Brain Development:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/inflammation-in-pregnant-moms-linked-to-childs-brain-development.shtml
                          - "Covert" Neurofeedback Tunes-up the Social Brain in ASD:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/covert-neurofeedback-tunes-up-the-social-brain-in-asd.shtml
                          - Predicting Suicide Attempts and Suicide Deaths Using Electronic Health Records:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/predicting-suicide-attempts-and-suicide-deaths-using-electronic-health-records.shtml
                          - Understanding Critical Components of the Brain's Stress Circuitry:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/understanding-critical-components-of-the-brains-stress-circuitry.shtml
                          - RDoC:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/nimh-releases-updates-to-its-rdoc-framework.shtml
                          - Therapy Reduces Risk in Suicidal Youth:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/therapy-reduces-risk-in-suicidal-youth.shtml
                          - Suicide: How You Can Make a Difference:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/suicide-how-you-can-make-a-difference.shtml
                          - Bigger Human Brain Prioritizes Thinking Hub – at a Cost:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/bigger-human-brain-prioritizes-thinking-hub-at-a-cost.shtml
                          - Age-Related Racial Disparity in Suicide Rates Among U.S. Youth:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/age-related-racial-disparity-in-suicide-rates-among-us-youth.shtml
                          - Suspect Molecules Overlap in Autism, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/suspect-molecules-overlap-in-autism-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder.shtml
                          - Mental Illnesses by the Numbers:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/mental-illnesses-by-the-numbers.shtml
                          - Intramural Researchers Develop Suicide Risk Screening Toolkit for Medical Settings:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/intramural-researchers-develop-suicide-risk-screening-toolkit-for-medical-settings.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, directors 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)
                          - 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 teen depression and depression:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/social-media/twitter/index.shtml
                          - Facebook Live event on suicide prevention for suicide prevention awareness month:  https://www.facebook.com/nimhgov/videos/324926688277496/
                          - Other multimedia:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/index.shtml  Outreach Efforts and Events
                          - 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 2018, NIMH published 3 issues of the Outreach Connection newsletter containing highlights of Outreach and National Partner activities. Each issue averages 11,460 subscribers (increase of 1720 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 2018 Annual Meeting:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/meetings/outreach-partnership-program-2018-annual-meeting-overview.shtml
                          - NIMH sent the Update (2x/month) to its Listserv, with the latest mental health-related science news, resources, and grant opportunities available from across Federal Government:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/news-and-updates-from-the-program.shtml
                          - Summary of the Professional Coalition for Research Progress 2018 Meeting. The Coalition is a group of senior leaders and representatives from national professional organizations convened annually to hear the latest research advances and related developments at NIMH and to foster dialogue on the future directions of NIMH-funded research:  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/coalition/index.shtml
                          - In early FY18, NIMH posted a meeting of the NIMH Alliance for Research Progress 2017 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 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 (RDoCb) 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.
                          - NINDS:

Several public health information materials were created and/or updated and loaded to the NINDS public website in FY 18, including:
                          - Arteriovenous Malformations fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Arteriovenous-Malformations-and-Other-Vascular-Lesions-of-the-Central-Nervous-System/18-NS-4854
                          - Batten Disease and Other Neuronal Ceroid Lipofucinoses fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Batten-Disease-and-other-Neuronal-Ceroid-Lipofucinoses/18-NS-2790
                          - Bell's Palsy fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Bell-s-Palsy/18-NS-5114
                          - Cerebral Aneurysms fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Cerebral-Aneurysms/18-NS-5505
                          - Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Disease/18-NS-4897
                          - Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Creutzfeldt-Jakob-Disease/18-NS-2760
                          - Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Deep-Brain-Stimulation-for-Movement-Disorders/18-NS-5648
                          - Friedreich Ataxia fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Friedreich-Ataxia/18-NS-87
                          - Lipid Storage Disease fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Lipid-Storage-Diseases/18-NS-2628
                          - Meningitis and Encephalitis fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis/18-NS-4840
                          - Peripheral Neuropathy fact sheet (also prepared in e-Pub formats):  https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Peripheral-Neuropathy/18-NS-4853i
                          - Huntington's Disease: Hope Through Research (also prepared in e-Pub formats)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Huntington-s-Disease-Hope-Through-Research/17-NS-19
                          - The Dementias: Hope Through Research (also prepared in e-Pub formats)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/Dementias-Hope-Through-Research/17-NS-2252
                          - Sindrome de dolor regional complejo (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome fact sheet in Spanish)
                          - https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/ninds/product/-S-ndrome-de-Dolor-Regional-Complejo/17-NS-4173S
                          - NINR
                          - NINR updated its brochure, Palliative Care: The Relief You Need When You Have a Serious Illness. The revised publication is available in  English  and  Spanish .
                          - Several new videos have been posted to the NINR YouTube channel ( www.youtube.com/NINRnews ), including:
                          - Video from Precision Health: Smart Technologies, Smart Health Symposium.
                          - MedcapeTV features NINR's Precision Health Boot Camp.
                          - Videos from the NINR Director's Lecture series including:
                          - Dr. Ann Marie McCarthy "Distraction in Action: Helping Children Cope with Painful Procedures."
                          - Dr. Jacquelyn Taylor "Hypertension Genomics in Black Families: A Tale of 3 Studies, and Counting..."
                          - Dr. Andrea Barsevick "The Science of Symptom Management."
                          - Dr. Margaret Heitkemper "Symptom Science in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Biomarkers to Intervention."
                          - Videos of scientific presentations from meetings of the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research.
                          - OIG proactively discloses hundreds of reports and audits on its website annually.  https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/index.asp

**2. Please describe how your agency identifies records that have been requested and released three or more times (and are therefore required to be proactively disclosed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(2)(D)).**

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 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.
                          - CMS compares the requests received to determine if the date parameters and subject of the requested records are the same or similar. Subsequently, it compares the content of the responsive records to determine if the frequently requested threshold has been achieved.
                          - 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.
                          - The HRSA FOIA Office continuously monitors the incoming requests and review FOIA logs to identify requests that appear to be asking for identical or very similar information.
                          - The IHS FOIA Office utilizes the FOIA database to monitor and track incoming requests.
                          - The NIH FOIA Office 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 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. 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?**

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. If yes, please provide examples of such improvements.**
                          - CMS receives numerous online queries for "Nursing Home Providers" but have included a separate more defined search topic of "statement of deficiencies" of "Nursing Home Providers."
                          - 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 is currently engaged in a redesign of its website, which should be completed in early 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
                          - IHS Program Offices update new health initiatives or services for American Indians/Alaskan Natives on their homepage.
                          - 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.
                          - OIG uses Twitter, YouTube, Podcasts and Widgets to help ensure usability and access to its website.

**5. Please describe the best practices used to improve proactive disclosures and any challenges your agency faces in this area.**

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 August 6, 2019