We owe Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. so much already.

The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services has ignited a national conversation about the role of public health agencies, the values that underpin them, and their relationship with the people they serve. His leadership offers a pivotal opportunity to reimagine not only how HHS functions but how it interacts with the public—rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and a renewed focus on the fundamental goals of health and wellness. This moment represents a chance to build a future where public health institutions are trusted partners in safeguarding human dignity and advancing meaningful change.

TRANSPARENCY

To earn the public’s earnest engagement, the new HHS must prioritize radical transparency. Over the years, a lack of clarity in decision-making, coupled with perceived conflicts of interest, has deepened public skepticism. HHS can begin to address this by openly sharing not just its processes and policies but specific datasets, including funding allocations, clinical trial results, and the criteria used for regulatory decisions. Lessons can be drawn from successful models, such as international transparency platforms that track vaccine procurement or clinical trial timelines. A user-friendly dashboard could allow citizens to monitor ongoing initiatives and see how their input shapes outcomes, fostering a sense of participation and accountability. Transparency should not be treated as an add-on but as the foundation for rebuilding trust.