1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

The recent decision by the Trump administration to revoke $11.4 billion in federal funding for addiction treatment, mental health services, and COVID-19 health equity programs is deeply concerning. This abrupt funding cut will disrupt vital services and put countless lives at risk at a time when the overdose crisis still claims over 80,000 American lives each year. While the administration argues that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the reality is that addiction and mental health issues persist as chronic public health challenges. Clawing back funding for programs proven to save lives and support recovery is shortsighted and dangerous. Treatment disruptions and clinic closures resulting from these cuts could reverse hard-won progress and lead to a resurgence in overdose deaths. Furthermore, defunding efforts to address health disparities among underserved communities is antithetical to principles of equity and justice. These programs aim to provide equitable access to care for marginalized populations disproportionately impacted by addiction and mental illness. I urge you to reconsider this harmful policy decision. Sustaining and expanding evidence-based addiction and mental health initiatives should be a bipartisan priority. Access to comprehensive, compassionate care can transform lives, strengthen communities, and ultimately save taxpayer dollars by reducing healthcare costs and societal burdens associated with untreated substance use disorders and mental illness. The human and economic toll of undermining these vital services is too high a price to pay.