US health officials reinstate $1.9bn for mental health and substance use programs

US officials reversed an earlier decision and began restoring about $1.9bn in grants for mental health and substance use programs after a prior announcement to halt those funds.

US health officials announced they began reinstating about $1.9bn in cuts to mental health and substance use programs on Wednesday night. The move came one day after an unexpected announcement that those programs would shut down immediately. The reversal affects grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and has drawn attention because of broader proposals to reorganize the agency under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The earlier announcement prompted immediate outcry from lawmakers and service providers. Key developments: - Officials began restoring nearly $1.9bn in grants to mental health and substance use programs after the funds were briefly announced for immediate shutdown. - The initial cuts would have affected overdose prevention and reversal, services for children, training and support for first responders, support for pregnant and postpartum women, and recovery programs. - Some programs received reinstatement letters late Wednesday night, while others were still awaiting official notice, according to reporting. - Representative Rosa DeLauro issued a statement appearing to confirm that grants were reinstated and said the earlier cuts created uncertainty for families and providers. - An administration official told the New York Times that money was being restored but did not provide a reason, and it was not immediately clear if all grants were re-established. - Lawmakers continue to negotiate over the federal budget, and observers noted the broader context of recent agency budget and staffing cuts. Summary: The reversal restored many grants and reduced immediate disruption for organisations and people who rely on those services. Undetermined at this time.