RFK Jr.’s 5 Strategies for Improving Public Health

In his effort to advance his “make America healthy again” initiative, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pointed out the chronic disease crisis in the United States, along with what he terms corporate corruption within government agencies.

He moved a step closer to addressing these concerns on Nov. 14 when he was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, a process that may be facilitated with Republicans taking the majority in January.

When Kennedy ended his independent presidential bid on Aug. 23 and endorsed Trump, he briefly outlined his plan should he be selected for a health-related post in the Trump administration.

“America can get healthy again. To do that we need to do three things. First, root out the corruption in our health agencies. Second, change the incentives of the health care system. And third, inspire Americans to get healthy again,” Kennedy said in a speech in Arizona.

Established in 1979, HHS oversees 13 distinct agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Kennedy has proposed various other ideas to put into action, some requiring presidential or congressional approval, and others authorizable through emergency powers.

Here are five plans Kennedy has expressed his desire to see implemented:

Staff Changes

Kennedy believes meaningful change will only occur when large private corporations cease to influence the FDA, CDC, and Department of Agriculture.