Hundreds of Illinois residents face a new crisis after the Trump Administration cut more than $5.9 million in funding for five critical behavioral health and suicide prevention programs. State officials say the loss will deeply affect mental health resources across schools and communities, halting programs that fight opioid overdoses, prevent youth suicide, and train educators in early intervention. Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton condemned the move, vowing to use all available state resources to protect vulnerable Illinoisans. State agencies are now working to inform affected grantees and exploring ways to fill the massive funding gap.
“No matter who you are or where you live, someone you love has likely struggled with their mental health. Stripping federal funding and resources families rely on in their most difficult moments is cruel,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Know this: every agency in Illinois will fight to protect lifesaving care—especially in the face of these malicious federal attacks. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available through the Illinois Department of Human Services by calling 1-833-2-FIND-HELP.”
“The Trump Administration cutting these life-saving behavioral health programs is nothing short of abject cruelty. While Trump pretends to care about MAHA and keeping Americans healthy and safe, he’s shamelessly pulling the plug on programs that improve Americans’ mental health, prevent suicide, and help our most vulnerable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “If Trump truly wanted to reduce crime and make our cities safer, he wouldn’t rip resources away from people struggling. Illinois will use every resource at its disposal to fight for the support our people deserve.”
Several key federal grants aimed at supporting mental health and substance abuse prevention in Illinois will be discontinued by January 2026, impacting critical services statewide. The termination includes funding for suicide prevention, opioid overdose response, and school-based mental health initiatives, representing an annual loss of up to $2.5 million. Programs affected range from counseling hotlines to mental health screenings in schools and professional training for staff. Officials emphasize their ongoing commitment to addressing these needs, with state agencies promising to work directly with organizations affected and provide updates on future plans for maintaining these essential services.
“These are vital programs that save lives – and when you are talking about preventing the loss of life, the programs are priceless. I’m thankful to work for a state government that sees that value and will work to defend it,” said Dr. David Albert, IDHS Director of the Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery.
“Tragically, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 34 years old in Illinois,” said Director Vohra. “This essential funding provides much-needed intervention services that help thousands of young people receive screening, assessment, and mental health treatment when necessary. Eliminating this funding puts countless young people at greater risk by depriving them of the critical care, support, and services they deserve.”
Illinois is confronting a wave of mental health funding cuts as federal grants supporting youth suicide prevention run out. The largest, a $735,000 annual loss from the Garrett Lee Smith grant, affects crucial programs like a statewide mental health portal, school-based depression screenings, and staff training in suicide response. Remaining funds—about $2.7 million—are tied to two grants: Project AWARE, which fosters school mental health infrastructure, and the REACH Out grant, which brings trauma-informed care to underserved students. Officials say they’re committed to supporting young people, with agencies promising clear guidance as communities brace for these immediate changes.
“When federal funding is pulled from school-based mental health programs, students pay the price,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “These programs help schools identify concerns early, connect students to care, and create safer, more supportive learning environments. Schools depend on this funding to meet students’ needs, and ISBE will continue working to protect these critical supports.”