The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the creation of the Office of Recovery Act Coordination. The Office will help ensure the timely, organized and transparent distribution of an estimated $137 billion in Recovery Act Funds managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS is committed to moving quickly and carefully to distribute Recovery Act funds in an open and transparent manner, said HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus. We have already worked to put more than $3 billion in Recovery Act funds into states and the new Office of Recovery Act Coordination will enhance and streamline our efforts to get critical resources and potential new job opportunities to the American people during tough times.

Dennis Williams will lead the new office and serve as HHS™ Deputy Assistant Secretary for Recovery Act Coordination.

Mr. Williams has served in the department for more than 20 years in offices including the Health Resources Services Administration and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget.

The Department of Health and Human Services has distributed $3 billion in Recovery Act funds as of March 11, 2009, to support a variety of policies and programs including Community Health Centers and Medicaid.

The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.