The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) was a cabinet-level position in the United States government responsible for overseeing federal policies related to health, education, and social services. Established in 1953, the department aimed to improve the well-being of Americans through various programs and initiatives, including public health, education funding, and welfare services. In 1979, the HEW was split into two separate departments: the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education. This division allowed for more focused management of health and education issues, enhancing the effectiveness of federal programs in these critical areas.