AMA statement on federal grant terminations for mental health, SUD care

Statement attributable to:
David H. Aizuss, MD
Trustee, American Medical Association

"The American Medical Association (AMA) is deeply concerned about the termination of federal grant funding for programs that support substance use disorder and mental health care. We urge federal officials to restore these grants to protect patients.

"These programs help physicians and communities provide lifesaving, evidence-based care, and losing this funding would make it harder for patients to access critical services such as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), naloxone, and mental health treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas. These programs are also essential to educating and training physicians and care teams to meet the needs of patients with these illnesses. At a time when patients already face too many barriers to care, sudden funding disruptions risk leaving them without the support and treatment they urgently need."

Note: On January 12, the AMA released its 2025 Report on Substance Use and Treatment, showing that while overdose deaths have declined, the epidemic remains widespread and complex.