"“Crisis response is a really local thing.” But as of last summer, just 12 states had established those fees, while five set up a different form of recurring funding. More states are considering bills to implement a funding mechanism for the lifeline, but many face an uphill battle against those who see it as another tax. State budgets are already likely to be squeezed next year due to new Medicaid requirements."
Like what's his face said "All politics are local" Seems good mental health can be local as well. Though budgets are needed to make it work.
I wish I was surprised. What worries me even more is how silent the majority of the mental health field has been in the face of anti-scientific rhetoric and policy. Time after time, our local, state, and national associations refuse to take meaningful stances for science and the well-being of our patients. Our leadership is failing us and until we collectively as people, and in this case, mental health advocates, decide to fight back, this is only going to get worse.
"The budget explicitly criticizes harm reduction funding, calling out federal dollars previously used for syringe programs and smoking cessation supplies for people who use drugs. These are approaches with strong scientific backing. I don’t think the signal here is subtle: the administration’s vision of mental health and addiction support and the evidence base for what actually works are not the same thing."
This is not really a surprise when you consider that the current HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has been a notorious anti-science medical advocate for some time, and has largely been given a free hand to operate as he wishes by the President.
Just some small thoughts here on your deep dive into "Our budgets tell us what we value." This budget tells us what we don't value. Sigh.
This new bit of data about 988 and the drop in suicides among young people speaks to what works.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/22/988-hotline-linked-11-percent-drop-youth-suicide-jama-study/
"“Crisis response is a really local thing.” But as of last summer, just 12 states had established those fees, while five set up a different form of recurring funding. More states are considering bills to implement a funding mechanism for the lifeline, but many face an uphill battle against those who see it as another tax. State budgets are already likely to be squeezed next year due to new Medicaid requirements."
Like what's his face said "All politics are local" Seems good mental health can be local as well. Though budgets are needed to make it work.
I wish I was surprised. What worries me even more is how silent the majority of the mental health field has been in the face of anti-scientific rhetoric and policy. Time after time, our local, state, and national associations refuse to take meaningful stances for science and the well-being of our patients. Our leadership is failing us and until we collectively as people, and in this case, mental health advocates, decide to fight back, this is only going to get worse.
"The budget explicitly criticizes harm reduction funding, calling out federal dollars previously used for syringe programs and smoking cessation supplies for people who use drugs. These are approaches with strong scientific backing. I don’t think the signal here is subtle: the administration’s vision of mental health and addiction support and the evidence base for what actually works are not the same thing."
This is not really a surprise when you consider that the current HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has been a notorious anti-science medical advocate for some time, and has largely been given a free hand to operate as he wishes by the President.