US health officials have reversed course and begun reinstating nearly $2bn in cuts to mental health and substance use programmes, one day after abruptly announcing the termination of the grants. The reversal is a blow to the agenda of Robert F Kennedy Jr, the health secretary, who has pursued aggressive cuts to health agencies.
The cuts, which amounted to a quarter of the budget of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Samhsa), would have affected overdose prevention, children's mental health, first responder training, and support for pregnant and postpartum women. The announcement sparked immediate outcry from lawmakers and providers.
Some programmes received reinstatement letters late on Wednesday, while others were still awaiting official notice. Representative Rosa DeLauro confirmed the reversal, stating that Secretary Kennedy 'bowed to public pressure' after national outrage. An administration official also confirmed the restoration of funds to the New York Times, without giving a reason.
Critics described the episode as 'absurd, pointless chaos', with Senator Patty Murray noting that first responders had spent the day planning layoffs instead of helping people. Experts warned that further deep cuts to health programmes may still be on the horizon, as the administration continues its 'political project to systematically dismantle the behavioral health system'.
Dr Sunny Patel, a former Samhsa official, said the reinstatement was a good thing but that 'advocacy works' and vigilance remains necessary to protect health services amid ongoing uncertainty.
