Interruption of Federal Funding
The abrupt cancellation and reinstation of SAMHSA grants last week shook mental health and addiction service providers across Southern Arizona. With 6 SAMHSA-funded grants totaling near $3.5 million dollars, SIROW's concern about the longevity of our programs surged. With over 20% of Americans living with a mental illness, and 1 in 4 children in the U.S. living with a caregiver experiencing a substance use disorder, we are relieved and proud that our essential grant programs have been reinstated. In an article published by the Sentinel, SIROW director, Jo Korchmaros, discusses the impacts of last week's events. We invite you to read along and learn more about the critical agencies across Southern Arizona whose work can continue as a result of these reinstated funds. Lastly, we thank the larger community whose outpour resulted in the restoration of vital prevention and recovery programs.