Cuts Disguised as Strategy

What the proposed HHS reorg means for mental health and addiction

By now, many of you may have seen this document. The implications of what’s in it have been all over my news feed the past few days prompting me to do a bit of processing myself. What’s all the buzz about? Well, buried on pages 14–17 of the proposed HHS reorganization document is what I can only describe as a blatant and almost violent unraveling of support for mental health and addiction. Sure, it’s under the guise of “streamlining,” but this plan slices into programs that serve the most vulnerable from youth mental health to suicide prevention.

Pick your favorite program - chances are it’s on the list of things to eliminate.

What’s on the chopping block you may ask? Well, programs that reach people before crisis hits: community-based interventions, school partnerships, and early treatment initiatives. And perhaps even most egregious, instead of expanding access, the budget and restructuring retreats from it—shrinking services while mental health needs continue to rise.

What’s being targeted? The very programs designed to reach people before crisis hits: community-based care, school partnerships, early intervention, and wraparound services. Instead of expanding access, this budget pulls back—right when demand is higher than ever.

Just to give you an idea of some of the programs that are being proposed for elimination:

• Project LAUNCH
  Aims to ensure young children grow up healthy by promoting well-being in early childhood through integrated mental and physical health services, especially for families in underserved communities.

• Primary and Behavioral Health Integration (including technical assistance)
  Supports the coordination of mental health and primary care services, helping people access comprehensive care under one roof—crucial for managing both physical and mental health conditions.

• Assertive Community Treatment for Individuals with SMI
  Provides intensive, team-based services for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), helping them stay out of hospitals and live independently in their communities with around-the-clock support.

• Minority Fellowship Program
  Builds a more culturally competent mental health workforce by funding training for professionals from underrepresented communities, improving care for diverse populations.

• Overdose Prevention (Naloxone)
  Funds programs that expand access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and supports training to reduce fatal overdoses in high-risk areas.

• Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
  Provides comprehensive, coordinated mental health and substance use services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, and is a cornerstone for expanding access to care in many communities.

From my perspective, this isn't just a bureaucratic shifting chairs or reorg/restructure; no, it’s a retreat at the exact wrong moment. And this is just a few of the items on the list - there’s a lot more. These aren’t fringe programs, for many communities, they’re the backbone of their local mental health infrastructure.

Congress has supported a lot of these programs in the past (bipartisan support, I should add), and no matter how terrifying these proposed cuts are, they still have to get through Congress.

The message? Mental health is still being treated as optional - a nice to have - not an essential. The sad consequence is that we’ll all pay the price.

What can we do? As much as it feels like things are out of our control, there’s still the power of our voice! If you’ve never made a call to your elected official, now might be the time.

Here’s all you need to say:

“Hi, my name is XXXXX, and I’m a constituent. I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the proposed HHS reorganization and budget cuts to mental health programs. These cuts will harm people in our community who rely on early intervention and support. I’m urging [Representative/Senator’s name] to oppose these cuts and protect funding for mental health services. Thank you.”

Of course, if you are involved in a specific program, list that and tell them of its effectiveness and how much it matters for your community (which is their community, too!). Stories have great power - share away - and don’t be afraid to let them know how much this work, these programs, matter!

You can find who represents you and their phone number at this link.

One call can make a difference. Share this with others and help keep pressure on.