04/04/2025
DHS CUTS: THIS IS NOT OKAY! These programs SAVE money and lives!
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UPDATE: Impacts of SAMHSA grant cancellations and next steps
The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently completed its initial assessment of grants terminated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on March 24. Last week, DHS notified affected grantees and ordered them to immediately cease all work activities.
DHS identified 85 contracts affected by SAMHSA’s abrupt action, which cut funding to counties, Tribal Nations, urban Indian organizations, school districts, provider organizations, and support and services from other state agencies. It total, rescinds $27.5 million in behavioral health funding from Minnesotans.
The cuts are expansive, and will have a direct and drastic impact on thousands of people in need. Below are examples of programs that will have funding cut or eliminated.
Warmlines – Terminated funding is used to support confidential, non-emergency phone services (staffed by peers with lived experience) who provide emotional support, connection, and resources to individuals experiencing mental health challenges before they escalate to crisis. Minnesota’s service takes 1,200 calls per month.
Tribal Nations and Urban Indian Organizations – Terminated funding will disrupt vital services including crisis intervention following traumatic events, telehealth therapy, psychiatric medication management for vulnerable youth, emergency supports and basic necessities for unsheltered individuals, and transportation assistance.
Mobile Crisis – Terminated funding supported the growth and expansion of mobile crisis services. These mental health response teams are available 24/7 and travel to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis wherever they are located.
School-Based Early Substance Use Disorder Intervention – Terminated funding supported school-based providers to identify and support students showing early signs of substance use, providing targeted assessment, counseling, and referrals to prevent progression to substance use disorder.
School-Based Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice Training – Eliminated funding supported consultation and coordination for School-Linked Behavioral Health Evidence-Based Practices.
First Episode Psychosis – Cuts will lessen providers’ ability to provide evidence-based interventions to young people
experiencing early psychosis, potentially leading to poorer clinical outcomes for this vulnerable population. This will lead to higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room care – which come at a higher cost to the public – at a time when hospitals are already struggling to serve an influx of youth with behavioral health issues.
Women’s Culturally Responsive Recovery Services – Terminated contracts supported the development and implementation of culturally-specific community outreach, curriculum development, training, peer support, and services for women, mothers, and families struggling with substance use disorder.
OERAC-allocated SUD Funding – Funds that were cut would have expanded and enhanced the continuum of care for opioid-related substance use disorders.
