Secretary Kennedy Brings ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour to California, Highlights Microbiome Research and Addiction Recovery

LOS ANGELES-MAY 18, 2026-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. traveled to California last week as part of his nationwide "Take Back Your Health" tour, where he delivered keynote remarks and met with leading medical researchers at the City of Hope cancer center to discuss cancer innovation, prevention, and microbiome research. He also met with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and local officials to strengthen addiction recovery and homelessness initiatives.

"I want to thank CEO Robert Stone and his dedicated team at City of Hope, as well as Supervisor Kathryn Barger and her team, for their leadership and commitment to advancing public health, medical innovation, and recovery," said Secretary Kennedy. "America faces an unprecedented crisis of chronic disease, addiction, and poor health outcomes - but we also have some of the most innovative scientists, physicians, and recovery leaders in the world working to reverse these trends. By investing in prevention, advancing medical innovation, strengthening recovery efforts, and rebuilding healthier communities, we can give Americans a healthier future and Make America Healthy Again."

On May 13, Secretary Kennedy visited City of Hope in Duarte, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center and one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. Convened by City of Hope in partnership with HHS and National Institutes of Health (NIH), The Next Frontier of Cancer Prevention and Care: The Microbiome brought together leading researchers and physicians from NIH, NCI, City of Hope, and major cancer centers across the country to examine how the microbiome may influence cancer risk, immune function, treatment response, and long-term health outcomes.

In his keynote remarks, Secretary Kennedy highlighted the transformative potential of microbiome science and called for making microbiome research a national "moonshot" priority. He told attendees that the scientific community "has an advocate now in this administration."

The symposium featured fireside conversations with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya; George Sigounas, chief scientific advisor at NCI; and Marcel van den Brink, president of City of Hope National Medical Center and a globally recognized leader in microbiome research. Giorgio Trinchieri, principal investigator and head of the Cancer Immunology Section in NCI's Center for Cancer Research, delivered the plenary address. Researchers and clinicians from leading institutions nationwide also participated in faculty-led discussions exploring the future of cancer prevention and treatment.

"The science that will change outcomes for cancer patients depends on the strength of partnership across government, academia, and health care," said City of Hope CEO Robert Stone. "Secretary Kennedy's call to make the microbiome a national moonshot priority underscores the importance of this moment and the opportunity before us. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are part of the nation's scientific and clinical infrastructure. The advances that help patients live longer and better lives depend on sustained research, strong partnerships and a shared focus on making the best cancer care available to more people, including communities that have not always had access. That is why convenings like this matter - bringing together the full strength of leading cancer institutions to accelerate progress for patients."

On May 14, joined by HHS Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery and Co-Chair of the Great American Recovery Initiative Kathryn Burgum, Secretary Kennedy traveled to downtown Los Angeles to meet with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, county health officials, and behavioral health providers.

Participants discussed strategies to address substance use disorder, serious mental illness, and homelessness through recovery-focused systems of care that emphasize a value-based care model that rewards results over fee-based systems. Secretary Kennedy highlighted President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative and HHS collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help connect homeless Americans struggling with addiction to treatment, recovery services, stable housing, and pathways to independence.

"Today's meeting was a valuable opportunity to foster dialogue between Los Angeles County health leaders and our federal partners," said Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "Tackling complex challenges like serious mental illness, addiction, and homelessness requires true collaboration across all levels of government. Effective systems of care don't happen in isolation. They are built through shared commitment, resources, and accountability at every level. I was proud to highlight the meaningful work Los Angeles County is doing to expand access to care, support recovery, and improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve."

Throughout the visit, Secretary Kennedy emphasized HHS' commitment to advancing policies that prevent chronic disease, accelerate medical innovation and microbiome research, strengthen outcome-based care, and pursue President Trump's directive to Make America Healthy Again.