Trump Slashes $11.4B in Public Health Funding—Addiction & Mental Health Services at Risk

The Trump administration’s recent decision to cancel $11.4 billion in COVID-era public health funding has sent shockwaves through state and county health departments, as well as nonprofit groups. The funds, which were dedicated to addiction treatment, mental health services, and other public health programs, were set to run through 2025.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford addiction policy researcher, expressed his concern over the abrupt cuts, warning that they could disrupt vital treatment services. “This is cutting things off in the middle of ongoing efforts,” Humphreys told NPR, adding that the cuts could lead to layoffs and closures of treatment facilities.

The funding freeze comes after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) argued that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer an immediate concern, and that federal resources should instead be redirected to address chronic diseases. “The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and we will no longer waste billions responding to a non-existent pandemic,” an HHS spokesperson stated to NPR.

Although drug overdoses have seen a decline due to increased funding for addiction treatment under the Biden administration, over 84,000 people in the U.S. still die annually from drug-related causes. Experts fear that these cuts could reverse progress made in combatting addiction, with Regina LaBelle, a former drug policy official, asking: “With overdose deaths still exceeding 80,000 annually, is the administration declaring victory?”

Many state leaders have voiced strong opposition to the cuts. Senator Patty Murray of Washington decried the decision, noting that her state would lose $160 million in funding, which could result in over 200 job losses. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed alarm, stating that her state would lose roughly $300 million, a significant blow to rural health departments already struggling with the opioid crisis.

Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration also warned that $250 million in cuts could jeopardize 60 programs, putting patients at risk. “In so many cases, these are life-saving programs, and we worry for the wellbeing of those who have come to count on this support,” Allie Eliot, a spokesperson for the department, wrote in an email to Colorado Public Radio.

Though HHS downplayed the impact, claiming most rescinded grants were pandemic-related, addiction experts remain wary. Many are concerned about future cuts to Medicaid, the nation’s largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment insurance. Stanford’s Keith Humphreys expressed particular fear about the potential severe cuts to Medicaid, which would be devastating for families struggling with addiction.

Tom Wolf, an addiction activist, also shared his concerns, stating that while he supports some of Trump’s policies, the risk of defunding effective addiction programs is too high. “Are they actually evaluating which programs are working? Or just slashing indiscriminately?” Wolf questioned.

As the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities, these cuts could not come at a worse time. With the Biden administration making strides in addiction treatment, this new direction under Trump could undo years of progress and harm millions who rely on these essential services.