In Case You Haven't Heard…

The federal government released its “skinny budget” on May 2. Here's what it says about the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is cut by more than $1 billion from the FY 2025 budget. “This Administration is committed to combatting the scourge of deadly drugs that have ravaged American communities. Unfortunately, under the previous administration, SAMHSA grants were used to fund dangerous activities billed as “harm reduction,” which included funding “safe smoking kits and supplies” and “syringes” for drug users. The Budget proposes to refocus activities that were formerly part of SAMHSA and reduces waste by eliminating inefficient funding for the Mental Health Programs of Regional and National Significance, Substance Use Prevention Programs of Regional and National Significance, and the Substance Use Treatment Programs of Regional and National Significance. These programs either duplicate other Federal spending or are too small to have a national impact. These eliminations also promote federalism as these services are also supported by mental health and substance use disorder block grant funding. The Budget maintains $5.7 billion for activities that were formerly part of SAMHSA.” The SAMHSA budget was $8.1 billion for FY 2025.