MAHA Report on Child Health Released

The Make America Healthy Again Commission on May 22 released its anticipated report on the health of America’s children, largely focusing on ultra-processed foods, chemical exposure and overuse of medication as underlying causes of chronic childhood illness. Among its charges, it cited a 1,400% increase in antidepressant prescriptions for American adolescents between 1987 and 2014. Under the leadership of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the commission now has roughly 80 days to craft a government strategy to respond to the findings. AAPP is studying the report and considering and preparing statements to address the forthcoming strategy report.