RFK Jr. Faces Protests at Nashville Drug Summit

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the annual Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, recounting his 14-year struggle with addiction and advocating for community-based recovery solutions. Kennedy faced significant protests and multiple disruptions from critics of his vaccine, autism, and health policy stances. He underscored the importance of sustained support systems, such as 12-step programs, to address addiction's isolation. During his remarks, Kennedy reaffirmed the administration's commitment by announcing the renewal of the opioid public health emergency declaration. The summit highlighted Tennessee's ongoing overdose crisis, with most deaths linked to fentanyl, and featured new harm reduction initiatives and survivor testimonies. Kennedy's speech emphasized the need for multifaceted strategies to restore hope and connection for those battling addiction.