As we move into 2025, Americans are increasingly concerned about the direction of the nation’s health. The Axios-Ipsos American Health Index poll highlights a growing awareness of the challenges we face, particularly around mental health, the opioid epidemic, and the use of artificial intelligence in health care. These concerns shape the list of Top Public Health Issues in America 2025 and reflect changing attitudes across age groups, political affiliations, and demographics.
Mental Health a Growing Concern, Especially for Younger Adults
According to the poll, 17% of Americans consider mental health the most urgent public health issue. That number rises to 22% among adults aged 18 to 29, showing a clear generational shift in priorities. For comparison, only 10% of Americans over 65 see mental health as the top public health concern. Younger generations are grappling with high levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout, likely influenced by economic instability, social media, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
Mental health remains one of the most commonly identified Top Public Health Issues in America 2025. Support for addressing it is widespread—nine in ten Americans agree that insurance providers should cover mental health care just as thoroughly as physical health care.
Opioids and Fentanyl Still Top the List of Public Health Threats
Despite the focus on mental health, opioids and fentanyl remain the single most cited concern overall. About 24% of Americans labeled these drugs as the biggest threat to public health, placing them at the top of the Top Public Health Issues in America 2025. Older Americans are more likely to be concerned about opioids, and there are sharp political divides—Republicans were twice as likely as Democrats to name opioids and fentanyl as the leading issue.
The impact of these substances continues to devastate communities. Their presence at the top of this year’s rankings reinforces the urgent need for expanded treatment access, policy reform, and overdose prevention.
Americans Want Parity in Health Coverage
Another major takeaway from the poll is overwhelming support for mental health parity. The vast majority of respondents support equal insurance coverage for physical and mental health services. However, when asked if they would be willing to pay higher insurance premiums to receive better behavioral health benefits, only 39% said yes.
A separate survey by the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) echoes these findings. While 82% of Americans believe that behavioral and physical health should be treated equally, cost remains a significant barrier. Addressing the Top Public Health Issues in America 2025 will require finding ways to ensure affordability along with access.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
Artificial intelligence is becoming a regular part of the health care conversation. In behavioral health, AI is being used for patient-therapist matching, early triage through mental health chatbots, and even relapse detection through video screenings in substance use treatment programs. These innovations are designed to save time and improve access, but many Americans are still hesitant.
Most people are comfortable with AI performing administrative tasks like scheduling appointments—nearly three-quarters of respondents approved. Over half are okay with AI delivering test results. However, only 16% of Americans said they were comfortable with AI making a diagnosis without human oversight.
As AI’s presence grows, its role must be carefully defined. Trust and transparency will be essential for AI to become a helpful part of solving the Top Public Health Issues in America 2025.
Divides Across Age and Political Lines
The poll highlighted a number of divides when it comes to public health priorities. Younger adults were more focused on mental health, while older adults and Republicans were more concerned about opioids. These differences show how public health threats are viewed through the lens of age, experience, and ideology.
Still, there is broad agreement in some areas—like support for mental health parity and cautious optimism about AI in health care. Building effective solutions for the Top Public Health Issues in America 2025 will require bridging these divides and finding common ground.
Looking Ahead: Meeting the Moment
The Top Public Health Issues in America 2025 paint a picture of a country seeking better care, greater access, and more compassionate solutions. Whether it’s addressing rising mental health needs, battling the opioid epidemic, or exploring the boundaries of technology in care delivery, Americans are clear about what they want.
They want a health system that treats mental and physical health equally. They want policies that fight addiction with treatment, not stigma. And they want innovation to help—not replace—the human touch in health care.
Conclusion
The data from this nationally representative poll offer valuable insights into what Americans care about most. Mental health and substance use continue to dominate as the Top Public Health Issues in America 2025, and the conversation is expanding to include the ethical use of AI. The future of public health will depend on our ability to adapt to these evolving needs, prioritize prevention, and build systems that meet people where they are.
Public health challenges are complex, but the will to address them is strong. With continued attention, innovation, and support, there’s hope for real progress in 2025 and beyond.
