More than $2 billion in federal grant funding almost went away this week for mental health and addiction programs. “We received notice at 10:04 p.m. that funding was being cut off immediately,” said Freddy Morello, the CEO of Central Florida’s affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.After nationwide public outcry and negotiations, the Trump administration decided to restore it late Wednesday.Leaders from Central Florida’s mental health and substance abuse organizations said they were terrified at the thought of losing those critical dollars.”Florida still ranks at the bottom of per capita funding for mental health. So, to know that the funding was potentially being cut, was just scary all along. So, at least with the funding being reinstated, if you will, individuals can still get some support,” Morello said.While encouraged about the reversal, advocates say this scary surprise highlights the need for continued conversations about support for these services.”We need to really work on diversifying funding opportunities, but also looking to programs like NAMI, like the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, where they offer free, mental health programs to the community. These community-based programs, really are the lifeline for thousands of individuals in Central Florida and really throughout the country,” Morello said.A recent poll from NAMI National in partnership with Ipsos shows 83% of Americans support protecting federal funding to help people access mental health care and 63% believe it should be a high priority.”If we put the money into proper mental health care, recovery is not only possible, but it’s probable, which means people go back to work, people will stay off the streets, people will stay out of hospitals. So, we have to make the investment if we really want to see a change,” he said.Aspire Health Partners, Florida’s largest Behavioral Health Non-Profit, is one of 2,000 organizations that would’ve lost funding.In a statement sent to WESH 2, the organization said:”We appreciate the decision to reverse the termination of Aspire Health Partners’ SAMHSA‑funded grants. We are grateful to the members of Congress and advocates in our community who voiced support for continuing these programs. Their engagement helped reinforce the value and effectiveness of these services.”These SAMHSA grants play an important role in preventing and treating mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring disorders. Maintaining this funding allows us to continue providing consistent, evidence‑based care to the individuals and communities we serve.”While we are encouraged by this outcome, we recognize that ongoing collaboration is essential. Aspire Health Partners will continue working with community partners and policymakers to support long‑term stability for these services, ensuring that critical behavioral health services remain available to those who need them.”
More than $2 billion in federal grant funding almost went away this week for mental health and addiction programs.
“We received notice at 10:04 p.m. [Tuesday] that funding was being cut off immediately,” said Freddy Morello, the CEO of Central Florida’s affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
After nationwide public outcry and negotiations, the Trump administration decided to restore it late Wednesday.
Leaders from Central Florida’s mental health and substance abuse organizations said they were terrified at the thought of losing those critical dollars.
“Florida still ranks at the bottom of per capita funding for mental health. So, to know that the funding was potentially being cut, was just scary all along. So, at least with the funding being reinstated, if you will, individuals can still get some support,” Morello said.
While encouraged about the reversal, advocates say this scary surprise highlights the need for continued conversations about support for these services.
“We need to really work on diversifying funding opportunities, but also looking to programs like NAMI, like the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, where they offer free, mental health programs to the community. These community-based programs, really are the lifeline for thousands of individuals in Central Florida and really throughout the country,” Morello said.
A recent poll from NAMI National in partnership with Ipsos shows 83% of Americans support protecting federal funding to help people access mental health care and 63% believe it should be a high priority.
“If we put the money into proper mental health care, recovery is not only possible, but it’s probable, which means people go back to work, people will stay off the streets, people will stay out of hospitals. So, we have to make the investment if we really want to see a change,” he said.
Aspire Health Partners, Florida’s largest Behavioral Health Non-Profit, is one of 2,000 organizations that would’ve lost funding.
In a statement sent to WESH 2, the organization said:
“We appreciate the decision to reverse the termination of Aspire Health Partners’ SAMHSA‑funded grants. We are grateful to the members of Congress and advocates in our community who voiced support for continuing these programs. Their engagement helped reinforce the value and effectiveness of these services.
“These SAMHSA grants play an important role in preventing and treating mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring disorders. Maintaining this funding allows us to continue providing consistent, evidence‑based care to the individuals and communities we serve.
“While we are encouraged by this outcome, we recognize that ongoing collaboration is essential. Aspire Health Partners will continue working with community partners and policymakers to support long‑term stability for these services, ensuring that critical behavioral health services remain available to those who need them.”