RFK Jr. joins Gov. Stitt to launch 'Make Oklahoma Healthy Again' campaign at State Capitol

Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Thursday to commence the rollout of a new state health initiative, according to state leaders.

You may watch the full news conference below:

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the rollout in a release on Wednesday, saying he will join the HHS secretary for a news conference to kickstart the "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" campaign.

Stitt said the campaign will promote "common-sense health policies, medical freedom, and a return to personal responsibility."

Kennedy has previously made decisions impacting Oklahomans, including the decision to ban red dye No. 3, which was made through the Food and Drug Administration.

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Oklahoma Launches “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again”

Gov. Kevin Stitt and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a health initiative aimed at tackling chronic illness and promoting personal responsibility for health in Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma is 47th in health in the United States… and that's not a good thing,” RFK Jr. said.

Chronic Disease Called a “National Emergency”

RFK Jr drew attention to chronic conditions in children and adults, pointing to ultra-processed foods as a key cause.

“When my uncle was president… 3% of Americans had chronic disease. Today, 60% do,” RFK Jr. said.

“We are mass poisoning them. We are doing this to them.”

Executive Orders and SNAP Reform

Gov. Stitt announced major state policy changes:

1. Oklahoma has submitted a SNAP waiver to remove soda, candy, and confections from state-purchased food lists.
2. An executive order instructs:
3. State health officials to stop recommending fluoride in water.
4. All state-funded meals (including schools and prisons) to discontinue use of artificial dyes.

“This is pretty common sense,” Stitt said. “Our tax dollars are not going to continue to fund foods that are making people sick.”

Link Between Food and Mental Health

RFK Jr. shared how diet affects not only physical but mental health, citing studies from correctional facilities showing dramatic drops in violence and suicide after dietary improvements.

“Food is poisoning not only our health, but our mental health.”

The Call for Personal Responsibility

RFK Jr. and Stitt both stressed a grassroots approach to health:

“The real changes have to come from individual Americans taking responsibility for their health,” RFK Jr. said.

“We want to make sure that Oklahoma is leading the way,” Stitt added.

RELATED: FDA's red dye No. 3 Ban sparks health concerns and action

SEE ALSO: Oklahoma Lawmakers to discuss food dye ban Monday in Senate Bill 4 hearing