"Employees were notified of a "Reduction in Force" shortly before 8 p.m. ET on Friday, according to a source within the agency who was not authorized to discuss the layoffs publicly. According to the source, administration officials offered no rationale for who lost their jobs: "I think the general feeling today is shock and not understanding why?" the source told NPR."
"SAMHSA is responsible for overseeing the new 988 suicide prevention hotline. It also gives out billions in grants for mental health and addiction services. It was created in 1992 through bipartisan legislation signed by then-President George H.W. Bush. In 2024 its budget was about $7.5 billion, most of which went directly to states for programs aimed at mental health issues and addiction."
More than 100 employees at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) were laid off as part of a government-wide reduction in force during the government shutdown. Employees were notified shortly before 8 p.m. ET on Friday. Sources estimated about 125 job losses among roughly 900 employees. Administration officials offered no rationale for who lost their jobs. The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment. SAMHSA oversees the 988 suicide prevention hotline and distributes billions in grants for mental health and addiction services. In 2024 its budget was about $7.5 billion, mostly routed to states. Experts warn that losing those grants would severely harm behavioral health services.
Read at www.npr.org
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