human services

American  

plural noun

1. programs or facilities for meeting basic health, welfare, and other needs of a society or group, as people who are poor, sick, or elderly.

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Etymology

Origin of human services

First recorded in 1700–10 in the sense “provided by humans,” and in 1935–40 for the current sense

Example Sentences

The telehealth coverage is part of a government funding proposal totaling roughly $1.2 trillion in spending for the departments of labor, health and human services, education, defense, transportation and other agencies.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

He has lewdly mocked his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now secretary of health and human services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States secretary of health and human services, has some strong opinions about teeth.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2025

Attorney who had given Epsten a sweetheart deal, to be his secretary of health and human services.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2025

Marta Echevarria, a family services representative in the human services agency, said her department has 40 vacancies and the workers who remain are doing 12-hour shifts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2024