Last night the Trump administration abruptly terminated federal grants supporting mental health and substance use services across the country. According to NPR, the cuts to grants from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) are believed to be approximately $2 billion.
The effects of these deep and immediate cuts have already caused chaos for affected organizations. Long-set budgets are upheaved. Frontline services are in flux, including the jobs of those who carry out this important work. Providers in St. Louis and across the country are scrambling to parse through which elements of their work are affected and how to move forward.
At the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF), we know the services affected by these reckless funding cuts are not expendable. They provide critical, life-sustaining support to those affected by substance use and overdoses. They ensure our community members who are experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and critical resources. These services provide support and stability to families and children facing an array of mental health concerns. They save lives.
As a funder of mental and behavioral health care for youth and families, we know the devastation this loss of funding will cause to already underfunded programs and to the many people in our community – our friends, neighbors, family members – who have leaned on these supports in time of need. We are deeply concerned with the decision by the federal government to take funding from nonprofits that provide critical care to those who need it most. Our communities will suffer more because of it.
This month, as advertised by SAMHSA, is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. On its website, SAMHSA encourages Americans to share resources related to treatment services, including wraparound services and supports, to help build awareness around available treatment options. Recent developments may reduce the availability of certain services for individuals and families in need of care.
To our partners and all those serving the communities that will be so deeply affected by these cuts, we are here for you and remain committed to supporting your work. We want to be clear that funding from CSF is not at risk or affected by these federal cuts. Our funding will continue to go toward supporting the behavioral health needs of youth and families in St. Louis County. Please let us know if your organization has been impacted and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of support.