Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has reportedly moved to cut hundreds of federal grants that fund mental health and addiction services nationwide, a decision that could affect programs addressing substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and community mental health care.
According to NPR, notices were sent late Tuesday informing grant recipients that their funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was being terminated. Officials reportedly told programs that their missions no longer aligned with the administration’s priorities. While the full scope of the reductions has not been publicly confirmed, sources cited by NPR said the cuts could total as much as $2 billion.
The Hill reported that it contacted both the White House and SAMHSA seeking confirmation and clarification but had not received a response as of publication. Advocacy groups in the mental health and addiction space said they were caught off guard by the move and warned it could disrupt essential services.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness confirmed that its affiliates were among those affected. CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. said the funding cuts threaten “life-saving work” and emphasized that mental health and addiction treatment has traditionally received bipartisan support in Congress.
Democratic lawmakers responded swiftly. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin called for the funding to be restored immediately, arguing the cuts undermine efforts to address the opioid crisis. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington echoed those concerns, criticizing the administration for reducing support as communities continue to grapple with addiction and suicide.
It remains unclear how many programs will ultimately lose funding or whether Congress will intervene to reverse the decision.
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