Statement from Bill Smith, Founder and CEO of Inseparable
The need for mental health care is something Americans agree on. That’s why it’s unconscionable—and deeply misguided—to indiscriminately, and without warning, cut billions of dollars from thousands of programs that help people recover from addiction, keep pregnant and postpartum moms healthy, and support the mental health of our kids and teens. These programs have bipartisan support because they work—and because they help real people and families in our communities. When someone finds the courage to ask for help, the last thing we should do is pull the rug out from under them.
These cuts are yet another setback for the individuals and families across the country who struggle with mental health challenges. What we have seen over the past year is a systematic dismantling of our nation’s mental health care system – from major cuts to Medicaid, school mental health grants, and 988, and now to frontline, lifesaving programs for addiction – that will have generations-long impact on families and communities across the country.
While we are deeply concerned about the impact these cuts will have, our resolve to work with bipartisan leaders across the country to protect and grow mental health resources and improve access for those who need it has only grown. Sustainable funding for mental health is the cornerstone of this work and we will continue to advocate for policies that make this a permanent reality.
About Inseparable
Inseparable is a leading mental health advocacy organization founded on the belief that mental health is inseparable from physical health. Inseparable drives transformative change at the federal and state levels by engaging policymakers, mobilizing support and advancing mental health and substance use disorder policies that help people thrive. Inseparable works to expand coverage of care, promote youth mental health, improve crisis response and bolster the mental health workforce.