RFK Jr.’s Appointment as HHS Secretary: What This Means for Black Chiropractors and the Profession.
As the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brings a platform focused on holistic health, chronic disease prevention, and the overhaul of public health systems. His leadership aligns with many principles of chiropractic care—particularly the emphasis on prevention and non-pharmacological treatments. However, his controversial stances, coupled with the broader implications of a Trump presidency, highlight the need for thoughtful reflection and advocacy within our profession.
As chiropractors, and particularly as Black chiropractors, this is a moment to reaffirm our value in shaping the future of healthcare. We matter in chiropractic. Our presence and leadership are essential in ensuring the profession reflects the needs and realities of diverse communities.
Opportunities for Chiropractic Under RFK Jr.
RFK Jr.’s focus on addressing chronic disease and promoting non-invasive treatments offers chiropractors the chance to gain greater visibility and integration into public health initiatives. His Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative prioritizes preventive care, aligning with chiropractic’s commitment to reducing dependence on medication and emphasizing lifestyle changes.
New guidelines recommending chiropractic care as a first-line treatment for low back pain reinforce this momentum. Chiropractic care has long been a critical, evidence-based solution for managing back pain, and RFK Jr.’s platform could elevate this message on a national scale. For chiropractors, this is an opportunity to demonstrate our value and expand access to the care we provide.
Navigating Challenges: Mistrust and Disparities
While the focus on holistic health is promising, RFK Jr.’s polarizing views on vaccines, water fluoridation, and public health agencies present challenges, particularly for Black chiropractors and the communities we serve. Historical mistrust of the healthcare system, coupled with statements like his claim that COVID vaccines are designed to harm Black Americans, can deepen skepticism in marginalized communities.
This mistrust is compounded by existing disparities. A recent study found that Black Americans are half as likely as White Americans to access chiropractic care, despite the proven benefits. Systemic barriers such as income inequality, limited insurance coverage, and stigma around non-traditional treatments keep chiropractic care out of reach for many. For Black chiropractors, this inequity underscores the importance of advocacy to ensure access to care for all.
The Role of Black Chiropractors: Why We Matter
The chiropractic profession has historically struggled with diversity, and Black chiropractors are often underrepresented in leadership and decision-making spaces. RFK Jr.’s appointment, and the broader policies of the Trump administration, remind us of the importance of our voices and perspectives in these discussions. When chiropractic leaders openly support polarizing figures without acknowledging the impact on marginalized communities, it highlights the need for our leadership.
As Black chiropractors, our experiences and insights are invaluable. We represent communities disproportionately affected by health disparities, and we bring a much-needed perspective to conversations about equity in healthcare. Our work is more than patient care—it’s advocacy, education, and leadership. We matter because we create a bridge between our profession and the communities that need us most.
Moving Forward: Advocacy and Leadership
This moment presents both challenges and opportunities for chiropractic. As Black chiropractors, we must remain engaged and proactive. Key areas of focus include:
Advocating for Policy Changes: Push for expanded Medicaid and public insurance coverage for chiropractic care, especially in underserved communities.
Educating Patients and Communities: Counter misinformation with evidence-based education, building trust and understanding in Black communities.
Strengthening Representation: Elevate the voices of Black chiropractors in leadership, ensuring that decisions reflect the realities of diverse practitioners and patients.
This is a pivotal time to remind the profession that our contributions are vital. We must challenge narratives that exclude or diminish the importance of diversity in chiropractic and work together to build a future where equity is at the center of what we do.
Let this moment inspire us to lead with purpose, engage with intention, and advocate for a chiropractic profession that works for everyone. Because in this profession, we matter.