Secretary Kennedy Advances MAHA in Michigan and Iowa with Focus on Nutrition, Recovery, and Maternal Health

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NOVEMBER 2, 2026— U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. advanced President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda last week during four days of stops in Michigan and Iowa on his "Take Back Your Health Tour." Secretary Kennedy celebrated more than 250 hospitals committing to healthier food, highlighted a $12 million investment in Detroit's treatment and recovery services, and announced new infant formula actions to support growing families.

"Under President Trump's leadership, we are bringing real food into hospitals, investing in addiction recovery, and helping mothers give their children a healthy start," said Secretary Kennedy. "In Michigan and Iowa, I met people turning these priorities into action. HHS is backing their work to Make America Healthy Again."

On October 26, Secretary Kennedy visited Corewell Health's Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine Practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a roundtable, tour, and cooking demonstration. He met with healthcare leaders, clinicians, and culinary medicine professionals to discuss how hospitals can serve healthier meals and give patients practical skills to continue eating well at home. During the visit, Secretary Kennedy celebrated more than 250 hospitals signing the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. The visit also highlighted Corewell Health's work to connect clinical care with cooking instruction, nutrition education, and community programs.

"As part of our commitment to make health better, Corewell Health supports HHS' Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, which builds on work we have been doing for years to improve the meals we serve our patients. We appreciated the recent visit from the Secretary which showcased our focus on serving whole foods, cutting back on sugar and sodium and using healthier cooking methods. Nutrition is an important part of patient care, which we train our current and future physicians to incorporate. The right food choices are always guided by conversations between patients, physicians and their care teams," said Tina Freese Decker, Corewell Health president and CEO.

On October 27, Secretary Kennedy toured Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network's crisis care facility and joined a roundtable with city officials, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and Americans who confronted addiction and embraced the path of recovery. The visit highlighted Detroit's selection as one of eight communities receiving funding through the HHS STREETS program. The Detroit Health Department will receive $12 million over four years to establish its Prevention and Access to Treatment, Housing, and Stability program, known as PATHS. Through coordinated outreach and services, PATHS will connect people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or both with treatment, recovery support, and stable housing.

"We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for recognizing the urgent needs of our community. This STREETS funding strengthens DWIHN's ability to connect people experiencing homelessness and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders with the treatment and support they need to move toward recovery, stability, and independence," said James E. White, President and CEO, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN).

Secretary Kennedy also announced new analysis from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation highlighting how actions across President Trump's two terms to reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing, combat illicit fentanyl, and strengthen treatment and recovery have led opioid-related deaths in the United States to plummet to the lowest since President Trump declared a public health emergency in 2017.

On October 28, Secretary Kennedy, joined by Kathryn Burgum and HHS Center for Faith Director Monty Burks, visited Sheepgate in Colfax, Iowa. The trio toured the residential recovery facility, met with program leaders, and engaged with clients sharing their journeys from addiction to sobriety. The discussion focused on faith-based recovery, mentoring, and helping people return to their families and communities. Sheepgate's structured program combines Biblical teaching, fellowship, practical work experience, and support for re-entry. The visit highlighted the role of faith and community partnerships in advancing President Trump's Great American Recovery.

"Addiction affects so much more than the person struggling. It impacts families and entire communities. For more than 50 years at Sheepgate, a division of Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands, we've seen firsthand how Jesus Christ can completely transform lives. We were grateful for the opportunity to welcome Secretary Kennedy, Kathryn Burgum and Monty Burks to share what's working in faith-based recovery and discuss the challenges we face. As we fight this crisis together, our hope is to build stronger partnerships and make sure finances never stand in the way of someone getting the help they need," said Michael Hunsberger, President of Sheepgate.

Secretary Kennedy concluded the trip on October 29 at Everystep in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he joined Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Tom Engels for a maternal health roundtable. During the visit, Secretary Kennedy delivered a Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) to an expectant mother and announced new FDA actions on infant formula including proposed updates to nutrient requirements and an online dashboard giving families easier access to formula information.

"Every child and their family deserves access to the care and support they need to be healthy and thrive," said Tray Wade, president and CEO of EveryStep. "At EveryStep, we have seen firsthand the difference maternal and child health programs have made for Iowa families, from supporting healthy pregnancies to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising young children. We were honored to have welcomed Secretary Kennedy and national health care leaders to share the important work happening in our communities and discuss why continued state and federal support remains so important to the families who rely on these services."

Together, these visits underscored the Trump Administration's commitment to healthier food, lasting recovery, and stronger families — turning national priorities into practical support in communities across America.