Health Secretary Kennedy announces millions in funding to help with addiction recovery
(17 Jun 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clinton Township, Michigan – 17 June 2026
1. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrives at the site of a news event
2. Tight cutaway of Kennedy
3. Kennedy is introduced and walks toward the podium
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services:
“Today, HHS is announcing more than $700 million in funding opportunities to expand treatment, strengthen behavioral health services and help people move from crisis to recovery.”
5. Wide cutaway of Kennedy speaking
6. A sign affixed to the wall behind the podium advertises HHS’ STREETS program
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services:
“STREETS is designed to help communities move people living with addiction and serious mental illness off the streets and into treatment.”
8. Various of Kennedy listening to a reporter’s question
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services:
“We have a huge drug problem here in our country – $700 million is not going to solve that problem. But the good news is there’s about $50 billion that have been put aside during the litigation by the states against the opioid companies. And that money is now going to be available to the states over the next 20 years. And we want to make sure through this program to develop pilot projects that are evidence-based that show the states what works and what doesn’t work.”
10. Kennedy walks out of the room at the conclusion of the news conference
STORYLINE:
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced millions in new funding to assist addiction recovery and mental illness across the U.S.
Kennedy spoke Wednesday during a visit to the Easterseals Michigan-Clinton Township Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in suburban Detroit.
HHS announced the posting of a $96-million funding opportunity for the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) program, along with $612 million in funding opportunities for additional behavioral health programs.
Kennedy unveiled the STREETS program in February.
The secretary said the money will “expand treatment, strengthen behavioral health services and help people move from crisis to recovery.”
“We have a huge drug problem here in our country,” Kennedy said, adding the $700 million “is not going to solve that problem.”
But, he said, “we want to make sure through this program to develop pilot projects that are evidence-based that show the states what works and what doesn’t work.”
AP Video by Mike Householder
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