The sudden death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson has pulled back the curtain on something we’ve all known deep down: America’s health care system is failing. Every day, we hear heartbreaking stories of people denied life-saving treatments like cancer care, not because those treatments don’t exist, but because someone decided they weren’t “cost-effective.” This isn’t just a health care problem—it’s a crisis of humanity.

We talk about “making America great again” all the time, but how can we be great if our people are sick? A country isn’t strong unless its people are healthy. Right now, we’re not. Productivity is down—not because people are lazy, but because they’re battling preventable illnesses. Mental health struggles are through the roof because navigating the system is exhausting, frustrating, and dehumanizing. Meanwhile, other countries seem to have figured it out. They give their people affordable health care, access to good food, and lives with less stress. We can’t keep pretending this is OK.

The unhealthy truth

Let’s call it what it is: America is sick. The food on our shelves is filled with chemicals and additives that are slowly poisoning us. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are skyrocketing because we’re eating food that isn’t good for us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, and four in ten have two or more. Even kids aren’t safe—they’re fed unhealthy school lunches and live in a world where sitting still has become the norm.

Then there’s the health care system itself. It’s a nightmare. Families lose their homes because they can’t pay their medical bills. People skip life-saving treatments because they don’t have the money. Preventive care? Mental health support? Those are luxuries in our current system, even though they shouldn’t be. And while regular folks are drowning, the people at the top are getting richer. They profit from this broken system while everyone else suffers.

A house divided

Our health care system is a reflection of how divided we’ve become. There’s one America for people who can afford care and another for those who can’t. There’s one for those making money off this mess and another for those being crushed by it. Abraham Lincoln’s words still hold true: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And right now, this house is falling.

This isn’t just about politics. It’s about doing the right thing. The way we handle health care in this country isn’t just unsustainable—it’s cruel. Other nations have shown us a better way, where people live longer and healthier lives because their leaders put people first. Why are we so stuck in this cycle of greed and neglect?

Back to basics: A prescription for change

If we really care about this country and its people, it’s time to make some big changes. Here’s what we need to do:

1. Healthy food, healthy lives. The food we eat is slowly killing us. Poor dietary habits are directly linked to approximately 678,000 deaths annually in the United States, according to research. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are rising at alarming rates, with mounting evidence pointing to harmful substances in ultra-processed foods as a primary cause. It’s time to stop flooding our shelves with products packed with chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Fresh, healthy, and organic options should be affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. Schools need to lead the way, offering meals that nourish children’s growing bodies and teaching kids about the importance of nutrition. What we feed our families shouldn’t contribute to chronic disease—it should promote long, healthy lives.

2. Universal access to health care. Access to health care should never depend on how much money someone has. Mental health care, preventive services, and life-saving treatments must be available to everyone, not just the wealthy. No one should have to decide between keeping a roof over their head and getting the care they need to survive. Health care is a basic human right—not a privilege reserved for a select few.

3. Physical activity in schools. Physical activity is critical to lifelong health, yet many schools have cut back on gym classes and sports programs. We need to make physical education a mandatory part of every school day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, but only about one-quarter of teens currently meet this guideline. Encouraging kids to stay active not only improves their physical health but also supports mental well-being and academic performance. Healthy habits formed in childhood can prevent the chronic diseases—like obesity and diabetes—that are now far too common.

4. Education and mutual respect. A healthy society is an educated society. Let’s make education accessible to everyone and use it to build empathy and understanding. Teach people how to take care of themselves and how to care for others. When we understand each other better, we’re less likely to leave anyone behind.

5. Holding greed accountable. Corporate greed is at the heart of so much of what’s broken in America’s health care system. It’s time to hold powerful companies and lobbyists accountable for putting profits over people’s lives. We need real accountability for those who prioritize their bottom line at the expense of the public good. Health care should be about healing—not exploitation.

For the love of country

No amount of rhetoric or superficial fixes will save us if we don’t address the root of the problem. America’s strength has always come from its people, but right now, those people are suffering. If we want to be great, we have to start by taking care of each other.

That means building a system that values lives over dollars. It means making sure every child has access to healthy food, every person can see a doctor when they’re sick, and every community has the resources they need to thrive.

This isn’t going to be easy. Change never is. But the stakes are too high to keep pretending everything’s fine. If we want to rebuild this house, we need to start by fixing what’s broken—together. Only then can we stand strong, united, and truly great.

Let’s stop settling for a system that’s killing us. Let’s demand better. For ourselves, for our kids, and for the future of this country. Because a healthy, united America isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity. And it’s time we made it a reality.

Tomi Mitchell is a board-certified family physician and certified health and wellness coach with extensive experience in clinical practice and holistic well-being. She is also an acclaimed international keynote speaker and a passionate advocate for mental health and physician well-being. She leverages over a decade of private practice experience to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Mitchell is the founder of Holistic Wellness Strategies, where she empowers individuals through comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Her career is dedicated to transforming lives by addressing personal challenges and enhancing relationships with practical, holistic strategies.

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and book a discovery call to explore how she can support your wellness journey. For those interested in purchasing her book, please click here for the payment link. Check out her YouTube channel for more insights and valuable content on mental health and well-being.