Secretary Kennedy and HHS Staff Visit EveryStep to Discuss Home Visitation Program

On Thursday, October 29th, 2026, EveryStep played host to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and other HHS officials for a discussion of EveryStep’s home visitation program.  Secretary Kennedy joined a group of EveryStep leaders, staff, and clients along with Iowa officials.  

Following a roundtable discussion at EveryStep’s Amanda the Panda building in West Des Moines, Secretary Kennedy announced a $500 million investment by the federal government in maternal and child health home visitation programs.  Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Thomas Engels presented one mom in attendance with a gift of infant care essentials as part of the NEST Program administered by HHS.  NEST – or Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit – includes a supply of diapers, wipes, nursing pads, clothing, and more.  NEST kits are distributed to providers like EveryStep nationwide to help mothers in need of extra support.

You can learn more about Secretary Kennedy’s visit in KCCI’s coverage of the event.