Mental health grants restored after 24 hours of cuts

Federal officials reversed a move that had halted roughly $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction programs, restoring the funds after about 24 hours of uncertainty.

Federal officials reversed a decision that had cut off about $2 billion in federal grant money for mental health and addiction programs, restoring the funds late Wednesday. The cuts were first announced in abrupt termination letters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Department of Health and Human Services and SAMHSA provided no immediate public explanation after the letters, leaving providers and local officials uncertain. Bipartisan pressure from lawmakers and public statements from health organizations preceded behind-the-scenes talks that led to the restoration. Key facts: - SAMHSA sent letters late Tuesday saying some grants were no longer aligned with the administration's public health agenda. - Officials at HHS and SAMHSA did not immediately clarify where patients should go or which programs would be affected. - The administration reversed the decision and notified about 2,000 organizations that full funding would be restored. - National and professional groups, including the American Medical Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, reported alarm and said staff morale was harmed. Summary: The brief termination created uncertainty and alarm among providers and people who rely on these programs, and public health groups said staff morale was harmed. Undetermined at this time.