Alliance Statement on SAMHSA Funding Cuts

Yesterday evening, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sent a letter to mental health and substance use disorder grant recipients across the country notifying them that certain congressionally appropriated grants were terminated effective immediately. Initial estimates indicate over $2 billion across more than 2,500 grants were cancelled nationwide.

As the statewide association for Maine’s community behavioral health providers, the Alliance is deeply concerned over the decision to eliminate lifesaving services and programs in our communities. From suicide prevention initiatives to rural substance use disorder treatment services, thousands of Mainers rely on these critical programs each year. Particularly at a time when the need for behavioral health services has never been higher, reducing access to care through these cuts represents a significant loss for the people of Maine and will place individuals, children, and families across the state at risk.

The Alliance is grateful for the engagement of our bipartisan congressional delegation and state leaders on this issue as we work to fully assess next steps and the impact of these cuts in Maine.