The national mental health and substance use recovery movement has long been rooted in the principles of disability rights, social justice, and recovery for all, working to ensure that people with mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges have access to the services, support, and dignity they want and deserve. Today, needed care and services are in serious jeopardy!

A national budget resolution in the US House of Representatives proposes deep cuts to Medicaid, putting millions of Americans at risk—especially those who rely on mental health, peer support, recovery services, and health-related social needs, like transportation, housing, and nutrition. 

Lives are at risk! This movement of peers, family members, providers, mental health advocates, and other allies is calling on Congress to reject any cuts that will jeopardize the health and well-being of Medicaid beneficiaries across the nation.

Critical services such as these are also at risk:

• Peer support programs that promote recovery and reduce hospitalizations
• Crisis services, including mobile response teams and stabilization centers
• Community-based rehabilitative services
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) that provide a package of comprehensive services
• Housing supports that help people remain and thrive in their communities
• Services addressing health-related social needs, such as nutritional assistance, employment support, and transportation
• Employment programs, including Medicaid Buy-In, which has been proven to save money while helping people achieve stability

 

We cannot let decades of advocacy and rights protections be undone! The mental health recovery movement stands with the disability rights and social justice movements—along with other allies— to ensure that Medicaid remains strong, fully funded, and accessible to all who need it.

Take Action Today!

We have created the following alert to ease the process for you to quickly take multiple actions today.

1. Send a Letter: Use this letter to contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose Medicaid cuts. You can also customize your message to share why access to Medicaid is important to you.
2. Make a Call: Call your representatives to tell them to defend Medicaid and protect mental health services. We have included a script for reference.
3. Spread the Word: Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join the movement and take action. Every voice matters!

 

This is a critical time for the mental health and substance use recovery movement. We must mobilize, educate, and push back against these proposals that threaten health and well-being.

Please help us by donating to our Alliance for Rights and Recovery using the following link: Donate - The Alliance for Rights and Recovery