In less than 24 hours after cutting almost $2B in SAMHSA grant funding, the federal government reversed course and reinstated previously terminated SAMHSA grants. This was the right decision—and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when advocates and providers speak up to protect community-based mental health and substance use services that save lives. While the initial disruption should never have happened, this moment shows the impact of collective action and the importance of continued vigilance to safeguard these life-saving programs.
“This reversal shows what’s possible when people come together to demand better. Community-based mental health and substance use services save lives, and they must be protected. At the Steinberg Institute, the work continues – we remain committed to expanding access to behavioral health care and building systems that ensure people get help when and where they need it.”
Karen Larsen, CEO of Steinberg Institute