NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration recently made significant cuts to programs aimed at combating substance abuse and mental health issues. Advocates say these changes threaten the well-being of many vulnerable Americans.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) canceled around 2,000 grants, totaling nearly $2 billion. This represents about a quarter of the agency’s total budget. As a result, crucial programs providing mental health services, opioid treatment, and addiction support could face severe setbacks.
Yngvild Olsen, a former SAMHSA official, expressed concern over the potential impact. “Without that funding, people will lose access to lifesaving services,” she explained. Providers may have to consider layoffs, severely affecting service availability.
SAMHSA did not provide detailed explanations for the funding cancellations, simply stating that the grants did not meet new agency priorities. Recipients were left confused, questioning how their work no longer aligned with SAMHSA’s goals.
For organizations like the PACT Coalition, which lost over $560,000, this funding cut is particularly alarming. CEO Jamie Ross stated, “Our goals are perfectly aligned with SAMHSA’s priorities,” highlighting the disconnect between the agency’s actions and program objectives.
Many organizations reported immediate consequences following the funding cuts. Staff layoffs and training cancellations became common. Robert Franks from the Baker Center for Children and Families described how the loss of $1 million in grants would affect care for about 600 families. His group has long supported children affected by trauma, emphasizing that this work directly supports SAMHSA’s mission.
Overall, experts warn that such cuts could have lasting effects. In a recent survey, 63% of mental health providers reported an increase in service demands, emphasizing that funding is crucial during times of heightened need. “The reality is these programs are our best tools for addressing the issues SAMHSA identifies as critical,” Franks added in frustration.
The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors suggested that the cuts focus mainly on grants considered Programs of Regional and National Significance, with some essential services potentially spared, like the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
For Honesty Liller, CEO of the McShin Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, the loss feels personal. The foundation saved her life when she struggled with addiction. The recent funding cut of $1.4 million has already forced her to lay off five staffers, limiting support for individuals in recovery. “They need people like us who understand their struggles,” Liller said. “I’ve never felt so gut punched.”
As communities brace for the consequences of these funding cuts, many are left wondering how to continue providing essential services in an increasingly demanding environment. For more details on SAMHSA’s priorities and services, visit their official site here.
