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AFSP Applauds Reversal of SAMHSA Grant Termination Decisions

January 15, 2026 – 1 min read

By AFSP

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NEW YORK (Jan. 15, 2026) - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading suicide prevention organization in the U.S., commends the Administration for reversing its previous decision to terminate thousands of suicide prevention and mental health grants at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).   

On Tuesday, January 13, SAMHSA issued hundreds of grant termination letters to mental health and suicide prevention organizations, potentially eliminating up to $2 billion in critical federal investments, including the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program, Zero Suicide, Project Aware, and more. By Wednesday, January 14, the Administration informed media outlets that this decision was reversed, and grantees began receiving official notices confirming that their funding will continue. 

In the hours after AFSP launched its campaign to protect SAMHSA grants, volunteers acted immediately. More than 2,500 messages were sent to legislators from 48 states and the District of Columbia, powerfully affirming that suicide prevention and mental health funding matters must be protected.    

This is a significant win for suicide prevention and a powerful reminder of what can happen when advocates act quickly and together. AFSP expresses its gratitude for volunteers, advocates, and partners who stayed informed, raised their voices, and stood ready to act during a period of real uncertainty. 

AFSP will continue to monitor developments at SAMHSA and remain vigilant in protecting suicide prevention funding and policies.  

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.