A Sudden End to Vital Health Grants

The Trump administration made a big, sudden change. It canceled many federal grants. These grants helped people with addiction and mental health issues. The cuts are huge. They might reach $2 billion. This news came from three sources. But it's not confirmed yet. Many nonprofits got letters. They said their grants were ending immediately. These groups help people on the streets. They deal with addiction, homelessness, and mental illness. One person said programs might close their doors tomorrow. Ryan Hampton is the founder of Mobilize Recovery. His group lost $500, 000 overnight. He said this move is cruel. It will cost lives. Recovery centers are closing. The safety net is being cut. The administration is responsible for the consequences. The letters said the programs no longer fit the administration's priorities. SAMHSA is reshaping the national health system. This includes ending some grants. The cuts started on January 13th. Any costs after that date are not allowed.The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors sent a letter. They think over 2, 000 grants are affected. They're still trying to understand the full impact. This isn't the only cut. Last year, Congress passed deep Medicaid cuts. They affect many mental health and addiction care providers. People are worried. The safety net for those in crisis might unravel. Regina LaBelle is a Georgetown University professor. She said these grants pay for life-saving services. From first responders to drug courts, federal funding saves lives. The overdose epidemic is a public health emergency. Overdose deaths are decreasing. Now is not the time to cut funding. SAMHSA and the Department of Health and Human Services didn't respond to requests for comment.