Support, Analysis and Assessment

Overview: The Defense Health Board (DHB) is an independent advisory committee formulated under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972. DHB provides the Secretary of Defense, through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, independent advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare policy and program management; health research programs; treatment and prevention of disease and injury; promotion of health and wellness within DoD and the delivery of efficient, effective, and high quality health care services to DoD beneficiaries; and other health-related matters of special interest to DoD as determined by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, or the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. To accomplish these tasks, the DHB and its Subcommittees convene meetings to deliberate issues brought to its attention and prepare formal report products with comprehensive findings and recommendations to the department. Integral to these deliberations are a myriad of preparatory tasks including the extensive collection of background information, to include scientific literature reviews, preparatory teleconferences, email communications and coordination of briefings, the development of products, to include information, position papers, PowerPoint presentations, and reports, as well as other processes and procedures in support of DHB operations. The DHB, consisting of nineteen nationally and internationally recognized leaders in medicine, health care, health care policy and national security, serve in a strategic role and meet on a quarterly basis.