President-elect Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked deep division and bipartisan concern. While Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” slogan sounds helpful, many of his health care positions have caused alarm.

He has promoted various conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine views, including that COVID-19 was genetically engineered to spare Jews and Chinese people, and argued that cellphone radiation causes cancer. One issue where Kennedy’s stance could unite rather than divide, however, is the nation’s opioid addiction crisis.

Watch the video above as Straight Arrow News contributor Adrienne Lawrence explains how RFK Jr.’s progressive approach to drug addiction reform is shaped by his personal experience as a former addict. Lawrence suggests that if confirmed, Kennedy could bring meaningful change to addiction policy.

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

Now, of course, Kennedy’s past rhetoric and what controversial views, they continue to raise significant concerns. His focus on making America healthy again shouldn’t come at a cost of undermining public health research or perpetuating disinformation. But I can’t lie, the drug policy there, well, there’s potential to embrace reform that we as progressives shouldn’t overlook.

We the People deserve a justice system that provides help, not harm. It’s time to shift away from the criminalization of addiction and move in the direction of a system that emphasizes healing, treatment, long-term solutions. Kennedy’s approach may not be perfect on this, but his willingness to rethink our addiction crisis represents an opportunity to make real progress, and as we enter the new year, we should be demanding from our leaders that no matter what side of the aisle they’re on, they should be investing in compassion, evidence-based practices, and policies that actually work when it comes to drug reform. Now is the time for change, so let’s push forward for a future where recovery, not punishment, leads the way.