Tell Congress: Protect addiction and overdose prevention funding

The Trump administration illegally terminated more than 2,000 federal grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), wiping out nearly $2 billion in funding for front-line mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, suicide prevention, and recovery programs nationwide.

But after intense pushback, the Trump administration announced it would reverse these grant terminations. We are grateful to the members of Congress, service providers, and allies who stood with us in opposing these cuts to care, which would have been catastrophic.

But funding for many of these programs is still not secure, and we must keep the pressure up right now, as Congress makes its final decisions about federal funding. Urge your members of Congress to fully fund these lifesaving services that Americans rely on.

Take Action

Your Message

Subject

Dear Representative/Senator,

Message Body

I’m relieved to see that the Trump administration has reversed its recent termination of more than 2,000 federal grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that supports front-line mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, suicide prevention, and recovery programs nationwide. Thank you to those members of Congress who used their voices to stop these catastrophic cuts to lifesaving services. I urge you to ensure every single grant is restored and to continue pushing back against harmful cuts that cut off access to health care, treatment, and overdose prevention services to Americans. While the restoration of these funds is a relief to thousands of providers across the country, many others are still reeling from previous funding cuts, including $1 trillion to Medicaid, the largest source of addiction treatment in the country.

Additionally, I urge you to protect funding for lifesaving programs like addiction treatment, naloxone access, and other vital health services through the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations process. I hope the House follows the Senate’s lead by protecting this critical funding in the FY2026 LHHS Appropriations bill.

Americans from all walks of life are deeply concerned about the impact of addiction, overdose, and fentanyl on our loved ones. People are struggling and dying every day. Recent declines in overdose show that access to treatment, naloxone, and other health services keep people alive and on a path towards recovery. Yet, the Trump administration and Congress are scaling back support for these crucial public health solutions.

In 2024, U.S. overdose deaths fell 27%, yet over 80,000 people still died—more than from vehicle crashes and firearms combined. That decline was driven by sustained, growing investments by CDC and SAMHSA in prevention, treatment, overdose response, infectious disease prevention, and recovery supports under the last three administrations, including President Trump’s first administration.

But now, the decline in overdose deaths is slowing (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5689880-drug-overdose-deaths-decline-2025/)—and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. even re-declared overdose as a public health emergency. This crisis demands ongoing federal backing for proven interventions like naloxone distribution, medications for opioid use disorder, and fentanyl test-strip programs.

So why are Congress and the Trump administration cutting—and planning more cuts to—these lifesaving services?

The Trump administration and Congress’s decision to cut Medicaid will strip millions of people of their coverage. Without Medicaid, individuals will lose access to lifesaving treatments—from medications for opioid use disorder to behavioral health support—putting them at greater risk of overdose. Protecting and sustaining funding for overdose prevention and addiction services through the Appropriations process is more urgent than ever.

Services and programs that help all of us live healthier and safer lives are under attack. Please put pressure on your colleagues to protect federal funding for lifesaving programs. Our livelihoods and wellbeing depend on it.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

Your Information

Salutation *

Alternate Salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone

* Drug Policy Alliance is committed to protecting your privacy and will never share your email address.

If you sign and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from the Drug Policy Alliance.

If you take action and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from the Drug Policy Alliance.

If you donate and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from the Drug Policy Alliance.