January 15, 2025

Bringing you the latest news impacting our network from Congress and the Administration.

In this Edition: 

• SAMHSA Grants Reinstated

• What We Are Reading

SAMHSA Reverses Decision to Abruptly End $2 Billion in Mental Health And Addiction Treatment Grants

Less than 24 hours after the Trump administration abruptly canceled more than 2,000 addiction and mental health grants to nonprofit providers by issuing immediate termination letters through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the administration reversed course and reinstated the funds late yesterday evening.  While agency officials declined to explain why the funding was restored, the second decision followed swift lobbying by lawmakers from both parties and a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., with signatures from 100 House members. 

Now What?

Our Ask: Given the speed at which this funding was canceled and then reinstated, there is a lot of confusion about where things stand.  If you received a letter of termination and/or a reinstatement letter, or you receive a SAMHSA grant but have not heard from the agency either way, please reach out with details of your situation.  We will collect these stories in aggregate to share with lawmakers. 

What We Are Reading: 

• Medicaid: NASHP to Launch New Medicaid Policy and Strategy Hub for States 

• Medicaid: NC faces tight deadline, high costs to implement Medicaid work requirement 

For more information, please contact Sarah Dobson, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy.

Lutheran Services in America is one of the nation’s largest national networks of health and human service providers with a mission to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all. With 300 nonprofit organizations across 1,400 U.S. communities and more than $26 billion in combined annual services, the Lutheran Services in America network advances equitable outcomes for children, youth and families, improves independence and choice for older adults, champions meaningful services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strengthens stability and purpose for veterans and others. Formed in 1997, Lutheran Services in America brings together a network of leaders, partners and funders to catalyze innovation, strengthen organizational capacity and advance public policy.