Sec. Kennedy Warns Mental Illness and Addiction Cost U.S. Nearly $1 Trillion a Year

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed America’s growing mental health and addiction crisis, citing staggering economic costs. Kennedy said mental illness and substance abuse cost the U.S. about $92 billion annually in direct expenses and nearly $890 billion in indirect costs, including lost productivity and long-term societal impacts. His remarks highlight renewed focus on mental health policy, addiction treatment, and public health reform.