CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
January 15, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES REVERSAL OF TERMINATION OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS

Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) today announced the successful reinstatement of approximately 2,000 health and mental health service grants totaling roughly $2 billion nationwide. The reversal follows sustained pressure from Members of Congress, including the Congresswoman, who advocated with the Trump Administration successful explaining the chaotic and harmful termination of these critical programs.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), issued abrupt grant termination letters without warning, which threw communities nationwide into crisis and threatened vital programs that serve the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Virgin Islands organizations affected by the Administration's reckless decision include the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, Inc., and The Village - VI Partners in Recovery. These organizations provide essential substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and community health programs on which thousands of Virgin Islanders rely.

"I want to thank the University of the Virgin Islands, the Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, and The Village - VI Partners in Recovery for contacting my office about their grant termination letters," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "After national outrage and advocacy from Members of Congress-during which we made clear the impact of the cuts to vulnerable communities to be abandoned without warning or justification-HHS reversed this decision. I am pleased to share that HHS has begun to issue the grant reinstatement letters, and these vital health services will continue."

"This victory demonstrates what we can accomplish when we stand together and advocate respectfully but strongly to deter policies that harm our most vulnerable neighbors," Congresswoman Plaskett continued. "We will remain vigilant and continue to fight for the health and well-being of Virgin Islanders."

The reinstated grants support essential services that include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, suicide prevention initiatives, and community health education throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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