#United States #mental health #Arlington #NAMI #SAMHSA

Growing Concerns Over Cuts to SAMHSA

On March 14, 2025, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) voiced their serious apprehensions regarding potential staffing cuts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA). Following reports indicating that staffing could decrease by 50% or more, NAMI's CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. articulated his distress, stating, "Our country is in the midst of a well-documented mental health, overdose, and suicide crisis." He highlighted the vital work done by SAMHSA employees in collaboration with various stakeholders to improve mental health outcomes for those affected by mental illness.

SAMHSA, a crucial agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plays a pivotal role in addressing mental health issues and the ongoing overdose epidemic. Its mission includes promoting mental health, preventing substance misuse, and providing comprehensive treatment and support aimed at facilitating recovery. SAMHSA achieves these goals by allocating congressionally appropriated grants to states, territories, tribes, and non-profit organizations.

Among its numerous impactful initiatives, SAMHSA administers the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Since its launch in July 2022, this essential service has assisted over 14.5 million individuals in crisis. The agency also manages the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, which currently offers crucial care to approximately 8.5 million people nationwide. Furthermore, SAMHSA runs Project AWARE, which screened nearly 300,000 children and youth for mental health concerns in 2023 and made referrals for 92,205 for necessary services and treatment.

NAMI asserts that the recent layoffs experienced by one in ten SAMHSA employees, along with the possibility of hundreds more facing job loss in the days to come, could have catastrophic consequences. Cutting staff at such a critical time would only exacerbate the already dire mental health crisis in America, affecting millions of citizens reliant on these essential services. Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI's Chief Advocacy Officer, reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the longstanding efforts of SAMHSA workers to combat discrimination and enhance services for individuals with mental health conditions.

NAMI, comprising individuals with mental illness and their families across the nation, fears that the admirable progress made in addressing the mental health crisis is now at risk due to these proposed cuts. The organization is calling upon Congress and the Trump Administration to safeguard the advancement made thus far in addressing the mental health and substance use crises.

The continued funding of SAMHSA is critical, especially as they manage substantial initiatives such as overseeing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program, which is revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse care in 46 states. A significant portion of this program specifically aids underserved rural communities, making its preservation even more crucial.

As reports continue to emerge about potential cuts, NAMI urges the federal government to act swiftly. With the mental health landscape already strained, the need for fully staffed, efficient services has never been more urgent. NAMI appeals to national leaders to utilize their power to prevent drastic cuts to SAMHSA, ensuring that the agency can continue its invaluable work at a time when it is desperately needed. The sustained support and attention to mental health resources are vital to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by mental health challenges across the country.