The second tenure of the elected President Donald Trump is poised to usher in extensive policy alterations, especially in the sector of public health. Particularly, the proposed secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was an adversary to Trump politically, has transitioned into a crucial associate throughout the concluding part of the 2024 election campaign. His designation to the HHS position was announced not long after the election, sparking conversation about the future of public health including potential ramifications for Illinois policies.
Under the umbrella of HHS, lies a consortium of crucial organizations such as National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kennedy’s unique perspectives on health matters and his planned policy initiatives could significantly sway the direction of public health. Particularly, his advocacy for healthier eating habits among Americans aligns well with the objectives of Illinois Democrats.
However, Kennedy’s stance on certain health issues contradicts mainstream scientific consensus. In a 2023 interview, he expressed belief in the discredited hypothesis linking vaccinations to autism. He also opposes adding fluoride to public water systems, a process recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health to bolster dental health, leading to concerns on whether his views could disrupt conventional practices.
Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Senator, Dick Durbin, who is eligible to vote on Kennedy’s nomination, has expressed reservations about the appointment. In recent communication, Durbin underscored the sensitive nature of the HHS appointment, raising concerns about Kennedy’s qualifications and questioning his commitment to evidence-based science. He expressed fears that Kennedy’s controversial theories could compromise the duties of this critical position.
In case Kennedy assumes position as the HHS secretary, his administration’s works could set Illinois health policies in opposition to federal guidelines in several areas. Nonetheless, the state could find an ally in Kennedy when reviewing food regulations. A key point of contention is Kennedy’s plan to have the CDC recommend ceasing fluoride addition to public water supplies from the day Trump ascends to the presidency.
In estimate, Kennedy labeled fluoride as ‘industrial waste’, associating it with bone, neurological, and other health issues. His directive contrasts with the CDC, which cites hardness imparted to teeth and dental health benefits as grounds for adding fluoride to water and toothpaste. The CDC lauds the inclusion of fluoride in water as one of the most significant public health achievements of the past century.
Contrarily, a study by the National Toxicology Program suggested a potential connection between fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter and reduced IQ in children, but emphasized the need for additional research. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency maintains fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million, making it mandatory to notify consumers if the levels surpass 2 milligrams per liter.
Nearly all residents of Illinois consume fluoride-enriched water, as outlined in a 2023 report by the CDC. The statistics reveal that 90% of the state’s water serves 98% of the population, with fluoride levels adhering to the regulations set by a 1967 law amended in 2016. But changes in federal recommendations could leave uncertain the future of Illinois’ fluoride use.
Another point of controversy surrounding Kennedy is his skepticism towards vaccines, including the dissemination of untrue information. Uncertainties loom over Kennedy’s approach towards vaccines if he assumes the role of the HHS secretary, despite his recent assertions of not removing any current vaccines.
The Illinois Department of Public Health stipulates a dozen vaccines as mandatory, with parents required to prove immunization at various grade levels. State law also requires college-level students and healthcare workers to comply with set vaccination standards. This list draws from recommendations of a CDC advisory committee— a practice in place since the 19th century.
Illinois’ compulsory vaccination requirement dates back to 1894 when it became a precondition to schooling, starting with smallpox. By 1977, the World Health Organization confirmed the eradication of smallpox, attributing the achievement to decades-long mass vaccination. The current comprehensive vaccine mandate was adopted in 1967.
The Illinois State Board of Health, a segment of IDPH, holds the responsibility of modifying Illinois’ vaccine requirements if federal recommendations change. These adjustments would occur post-public hearings, relying on the CDC review panel’s advice. The onus of providing specific vaccine requirements lies on individual states.
Kennedy has also demonstrated interest in improving dietary habits to combat obesity and chronic illnesses. His visions of more robust food ingredient regulations align with the Trump administration’s stance. The proposal to ban detrimental food additives, awaiting approval in the Illinois state House, could find backing in Kennedy.
However, Kennedy’s approach brings worries for other matters. He intends to denounce brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, propylparaben, and potassium bromate—ingredients associated with several health issues—from food manufacturing. While FDA’s role is focal to nationwide food regulations, states equally hold power to direct nutritional policy changes.
Despite Kennedy’s ambition to curtail the FDA’s size and influence, the state has a history of pioneering nutritional changes such as legislation on trans fats and school meals. Kennedy also has expressed his intentions to reform school lunch programs, a responsibility currently under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.