The White House reversed its decision to terminate up to $2 billion in federal grants supporting addiction recovery and mental health centers. The reversal comes about a day after the administration sent out termination letters that left many providers off guard.
Officials at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sent the letters to hundreds of nonprofits nationwide Tuesday night. The letters said the administration cut grants because the programs “no longer effectuate” the agency’s goals. However, it did not explain how.
What groups were affected?
The cuts targeted programs and facilities that assist with addiction and mental health recovery. Many of these groups helped with mental health crises, homelessness, suicide prevention and workforce development, according to The Washington Post.
The administration’s decision drew quick and widespread criticism, including from both Democratic and Republican members of Congress. Many of the groups impacted had to quickly figure out how they could continue to operate. Some said the cuts would lead them to close facilities across the country.
Some SAMHSA officials stated they had not heard about the cuts internally and only learned about them when the news broke, STAT News reports. They told the publication that agency leaders did not consult with staff before making the cuts.
Lawmakers quickly condemned the cuts, with some saying the cuts are not in line with President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” push.
“Kneecapping and defunding the fight against the opioid and mental health epidemics will not ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ it will put American lives on the line,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said. “President Trump and RFK, Jr. need to reverse this decision immediately before more American families suffer at the hands of addiction and fentanyl.”
What happens next?
SAMHSA officials told The Post they are notifying grant recipients as soon as possible. However, many who received termination letters have not received a reversal yet.
Many of the providers targeted by the grant cuts had already been affected by Medicaid reductions the Republican-controlled Congress passed late last year. Cuts to Medicaid were the reason Democrats refused to vote for the bill.
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