Oppose SAMHSA Cuts - 11-1-11

    As you know, we are facing incredibly difficult economic times.  The threats to our most vulnerable citizens have never been greater.  CSWA urges members to send a message to Representatives to preserve the mental health safety net.

    The House funding bill currently being considered would cut Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding by 8.4%.  This would return the major public funding for mental health services to the same level as nearly 12 years ago. A spending reduction this massive will harm the country's mental health programs that receive SAMHSA funds - critical safety net providers that have already been devastated in recent years by state budget crises.

    Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA), who has become champion for mental health services, is circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter urging Congress to reject the House's cuts to SAMHSA. We must demonstrate the widespread support for mental health and addictions funding if we are to ensure that it does not get cut in the budget!

     Your Representative's signature on the letter can build support for behavioral health and strengthen our bargaining position in the budget negotiations - but they need your encouragement to sign on. Go to the following link to send the message developed by the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare Council to your representative: http://capwiz.com/thenationalcouncil/issues/alert/?alertid=55663941&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

     Thank you for your help in preserving our mental health safety net.  As always, please let me know when you have sent your message.