The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is facing major changes and budget cuts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning to reduce costs by merging several agencies, including SAMHSA, into a new entity called the Administration for a Healthy America. As part of this effort, HHS will cut around 10,000 jobs and shrink the number of its divisions from 28 to 15, aiming to save $1.8 billion per year.
These cuts could reduce SAMHSA’s staff by up to 50%, affecting vital programs like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and many mental health and substance use treatment services. Locally, ECS is very concerned that this could lead to more overdoses, suicides, and challenges in accessing behavioral health care.
Opioids are still the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44. While deaths have decreased, that doesn’t necessarily mean fewer opioids and fentanyl—it may reflect better treatment and emergency response.
Community Services Boards like ECS rely on SAMHSA funding for crisis intervention, outpatient treatment, and addiction services. SAMHSA also supports programs for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction and harm reduction, such as Narcan distribution. Cutting these programs could mean more overdoses and mental health emergencies. With fewer community-based services, more people may end up in emergency rooms or jail instead of getting the care they need. Losing access to treatment can also make it harder for people to keep jobs, maintain housing, and support their families.
These plans are still under review and could change, but if implemented, they would mark a major shift in federal mental health and addiction services. The impact wouldn’t just be on individuals with mental health and substance use disorders—it would affect entire communities by limiting life-saving services, increasing strain on emergency responders, and worsening public health outcomes.
Calling your local legislator today to oppose these funding cuts: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
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