Trump Slashes $5 Million from Illinois Mental Health Programs—What Happens Next Will Shock You!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026

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[email protected] (IDPH)

[email protected] (ISBE)

CHICAGO—In a move that has sparked outrage among state officials, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced this week that the Trump Administration has cut funding for five crucial behavioral health and suicide prevention programs. This decision impacts over $5.94 million in federal grants and threatens the mental health services provided to countless individuals and families across the state.

Governor JB Pritzker condemned the cuts, labeling them as "abject cruelty." In a statement, he emphasized that while the Trump Administration publicly professes to care about mental health and safety, it has simultaneously undermined programs designed to save lives. "If Trump truly wanted to reduce crime and make our cities safer, he wouldn’t rip resources away from people struggling," Pritzker remarked. He vowed that Illinois would utilize every resource available to fight for the support its residents deserve.

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton echoed these sentiments, highlighting the widespread impact of mental health issues. "No matter who you are or where you live, someone you love has likely struggled with their mental health," she noted. She assured residents that every agency in Illinois would work tirelessly to protect essential services, urging those in need to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-833-2-FIND-HELP.

The cuts, announced by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), affect several significant grants, including the Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success for States (SPF-PFSS), the Illinois Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths (IPDO) grants, and the Garret Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention grant. All cuts were effective as of January 13, 2026, and could result in a loss of up to $2.5 million annually for substance use and overdose prevention efforts in Illinois.

Dr. David Albert, IDHS Director of the Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery, expressed his gratitude for being part of a state government that recognizes the value of these programs. "These are vital programs that save lives – and when you are talking about preventing the loss of life, the programs are priceless," he stated.

The SPF-PFSS program, finalized in September 2025, was designed to provide $1.8 million annually to support suicide prevention efforts in high-need areas of Chicago. With the federal funding cut, this initiative is now on hold. The IPDO program, which received $232,000 this year, focused on preventing opioid overdose deaths through treatment and response strategies—its termination could have dire consequences for many communities in Illinois.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH Director, highlighted the substantial impact of the cuts on youth mental health services. The termination of the $735,000 annual funding for the Garret Lee Smith grant, which supports comprehensive youth suicide prevention programs statewide, could leave many young people without critical interventions. "Tragically, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 34 in Illinois," Vohra noted, emphasizing that this funding provides necessary screening, assessment, and mental health treatment services.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders added that the cuts to school-based mental health programs would ultimately hurt students. "These programs help schools identify concerns early, connect students to care, and create safer, more supportive learning environments," he stated. The Illinois State Board of Education will continue to advocate for the restoration of these essential supports.

Among the programs facing cuts are a statewide mental health resource portal operated by DuPage County High School District 88, which offers access to suicide prevention hotlines and counseling referrals, as well as initiatives from the Douglas County Health Department that facilitate depression and suicide risk screenings in schools. The remaining funds from two multi-year, school-based mental health grants administered by ISBE amount to approximately $2.7 million, which includes the Project AWARE grant and the REACH Out grant.

While the Pritzker administration remains committed to the goals of these grant programs, state officials are now faced with the challenge of communicating next steps to grantees and stakeholders impacted by the federal cuts. As the landscape of mental health funding shifts dramatically, the future of crucial behavioral health services in Illinois hangs in the balance.

As Illinois officials continue to fight for these programs, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for mental health resources in the face of federal budget cuts.