Trump administration reinstates nearly $2 billion for mental health and addiction programs

Less than 24 hours after more than 2,000 addiction and mental health programs nationwide received notices terminating almost $2 billion in funding, the Trump administration reversed course and reinstated the money, an administration official confirmed Wednesday night but declined to say why.

The previous day the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had sent a form letter saying the terminations were effective immediately because the services no longer aligned with the agency’s priorities, which it described as supporting “innovative programs and interventions that address the rising rates of mental illness and substance abuse conditions, overdose, and suicide.” The cuts would have affected drug courts, programs for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery, screening and referral services, and overdose prevention education for young people.

The notices prompted furious lobbying by lawmakers from both parties and a letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed by 100 House members.

Key Topics

Health, Trump Administration, Samhsa, Health Secretary, Support Act, Drug Courts