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#samhsa — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #samhsa, aggregated by home.social.

  1. Last week, the Trump administration cancelled >$2B in mental health + addiction treatment funds. Only massive, rapid pushback caused them to reverse the decision.

    But these programs remain at risk. So Grant Witness is now tracking SAMHSA
    grants. What found so far:

    grant-witness.us/posts/2026-01

    #PublicHealth #MentalHealth #Addiction #SAMHSA

  2. Massive pushback works. The $2B cuts to SAMHSA were reversed in a day (though we'll see - we are still waiting grantees to get new letters.)

    npr.org/2026/01/14/nx-s1-56777

    But it's not time for a victory lap.

    Such reckless action shows HHS is out of control, and is another reason to impeach RFK Jr.

    Call your representatives: sciencefightclub.substack.com/

    #ImpeachRFKJr #SAMHSA #PublicHealth

  3. Last night with no warning, RFK Jr. cancelled up to $2 billion in funding for mental health and substance abuse research and programs administered through SAMHSA.

    We are collecting information on terminated SAMHSA grants at Grant Witness:

    grant-witness.us/submit-samhsa

    If you worked on one of these programs, please let us know at the link! And please share with your colleagues. We need a comprehensive record of these terminations to fight back!

    npr.org/2026/01/14/nx-s1-56771

    #SAMHSA #PublicHealth

  4. #SAMHSA is “responsible for overseeing the new 988 suicide prevention hotline. It also gives out billions in grants for mental health and addiction services. It was created in 1992 through bipartisan legislation signed by then-President George H.W. Bush (a Republican).”

    #USA #US #USgov #USpol #trump #rfkjr #health #MentalHealth #HHS

    Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on

    npr.org/sections/shots-health-

  5. In cutting $1.065B from the #SubstanceAbuse & #MentalHealth Services Admin, #Trump falsely claimed he was eliminating Biden-era #funding for harm reduction supplies such as “safe smoking kits & supplies” & “syringes.”

    #SAMHSA was established in 1992, not under #Biden.

    What it ends is regional & national quality behavioral-health services such as addiction-prevention, treatment, & recovery-support.

    It will now be integrated into the new “Administration for a Healthy America”

    #PublicHealth

  6. CW: crisis lines - non-consensual interventions in US - new data

    New reporting from #RobWipond for #MadInAmerica.

    "New national data shows, in 1 year, a stunning 400,000 people got police/EMS visits after calling the "confidential" 988 hotline --a 7.8% intervention rate on callers that's nearly four times higher than #Vibrant and #SAMHSA have ever publicly admitted."

    madinamerica.com/2024/06/drama

    #988Lifeline #CrisisLines #YourConsentIsNotRequired

  7. CW: crisis lines - non-consensual interventions in US - new data

    New reporting from #RobWipond for #MadInAmerica.

    "New national data shows, in 1 year, a stunning 400,000 people got police/EMS visits after calling the "confidential" 988 hotline --a 7.8% intervention rate on callers that's nearly four times higher than #Vibrant and #SAMHSA have ever publicly admitted."

    madinamerica.com/2024/06/drama

    #988Lifeline #CrisisLines #YourConsentIsNotRequired

  8. CW: crisis lines - non-consensual interventions in US - new data

    New reporting from #RobWipond for #MadInAmerica.

    "New national data shows, in 1 year, a stunning 400,000 people got police/EMS visits after calling the "confidential" 988 hotline --a 7.8% intervention rate on callers that's nearly four times higher than #Vibrant and #SAMHSA have ever publicly admitted."

    madinamerica.com/2024/06/drama

    #988Lifeline #CrisisLines #YourConsentIsNotRequired

  9. CW: crisis lines - non-consensual interventions in US - new data

    New reporting from #RobWipond for #MadInAmerica.

    "New national data shows, in 1 year, a stunning 400,000 people got police/EMS visits after calling the "confidential" 988 hotline --a 7.8% intervention rate on callers that's nearly four times higher than #Vibrant and #SAMHSA have ever publicly admitted."

    madinamerica.com/2024/06/drama

    #988Lifeline #CrisisLines #YourConsentIsNotRequired

  10. CW: crisis lines - non-consensual interventions in US - new data

    New reporting from #RobWipond for #MadInAmerica.

    "New national data shows, in 1 year, a stunning 400,000 people got police/EMS visits after calling the "confidential" 988 hotline --a 7.8% intervention rate on callers that's nearly four times higher than #Vibrant and #SAMHSA have ever publicly admitted."

    madinamerica.com/2024/06/drama

    #988Lifeline #CrisisLines #YourConsentIsNotRequired

  11. rant - upset -exploitation - crisis lines

    I called US nationwide hotline #988 to see for myself what consent is requested for "doing" anything w/ call data. None. Only standard "call may be monitored or recorded for quality purposes". Yet federal NIH is funding corporate "research" involving "AI"-assist. What grift & insult to persons when at their most vulnerable.

    The next insult will be when #988Lifeline #Vibrant approves or #SAMHSA funds this anti-human tech w/in these tender, vulnerable spaces. Training & staffing is the answer. No "AI" should come between hurting people & those who are helping. It's not possible for consent to such tech. #CrisisLines

    I'm not against technology, but this pressure to force " #AI " everywhere, including crisis lines, is hurtful, damages trust, and brings far-reaching consequences, much of it invisible.

    Just one example of a current research project that deeply offends me:
    classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2

  12. CW: Crisis Lines - rant-warn about "AI" - exploitation

    Will someone PLEASE show me the railroad track carrying all the pseudoscience surveillance trains hauling "AI"-assist, instant "AI" QA, and sentiment detection "AI" to the US #988Lifeline, so I can lay down on the tracks and get it over with.

    Ill-gotten conversations as data, stolen from persons when vulnerable. Impossible to have meaningful consent for that, to build these models. Includes exploitation of #CrisisLine workers. They are vulnerable in those moments also.

    Pseudoscience for surveillance, control, to institutionalize and sanction continued neglect of basic supports for crisis lines, and in society.

    Where's #SAMHSA? Where's the #FTC?

    One example, they also have an automated QA product.
    classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2

  13. CW: US crisis line worker survey - final report - 988

    Linking here to important work by Dan Fichter (he/him) and Greta Opzt (they/them) from survey of #CrisisLineWorkers. Final report here:
    crisiscrowd.org/survey/2023/re

    & here's a link to webpage with other resources, Dan's notes on the study and #KaiserFamilyFoundation reporting out today.
    crisiscrowd.org/

    Thoughts: This is important because it centers the voices of #CrisisLine workers. Also, because Dan and Greta have the ability--and access--to communicate the messages to authorities within the systems.

    In the US, the federal gov't agency #SAMHSA contracts with a non-profit #Vibrant to administer the #988Lifeline. This might solve some problems, but it creates many others. Non-profit is a tax designation & this is a capitalist system of "care". It also makes accountability difficult, except for the most egregious offenses that catch a day of heat, then we move on. Besides these links, you also got my commentary!
    #CrisisLines #KFF

  14. CW: US crisis line worker survey - final report - 988

    Linking here to important work by Dan Fichter (he/him) and Greta Opzt (they/them) from survey of #CrisisLineWorkers. Final report here:
    crisiscrowd.org/survey/2023/re

    & here's a link to webpage with other resources, Dan's notes on the study and #KaiserFamilyFoundation reporting out today.
    crisiscrowd.org/

    Thoughts: This is important because it centers the voices of #CrisisLine workers. Also, because Dan and Greta have the ability--and access--to communicate the messages to authorities within the systems.

    In the US, the federal gov't agency #SAMHSA contracts with a non-profit #Vibrant to administer the #988Lifeline. This might solve some problems, but it creates many others. Non-profit is a tax designation & this is a capitalist system of "care". It also makes accountability difficult, except for the most egregious offenses that catch a day of heat, then we move on. Besides these links, you also got my commentary!
    #CrisisLines #KFF

  15. CW: US crisis line worker survey - final report - 988

    Linking here to important work by Dan Fichter (he/him) and Greta Opzt (they/them) from survey of #CrisisLineWorkers. Final report here:
    crisiscrowd.org/survey/2023/re

    & here's a link to webpage with other resources, Dan's notes on the study and #KaiserFamilyFoundation reporting out today.
    crisiscrowd.org/

    Thoughts: This is important because it centers the voices of #CrisisLine workers. Also, because Dan and Greta have the ability--and access--to communicate the messages to authorities within the systems.

    In the US, the federal gov't agency #SAMHSA contracts with a non-profit #Vibrant to administer the #988Lifeline. This might solve some problems, but it creates many others. Non-profit is a tax designation & this is a capitalist system of "care". It also makes accountability difficult, except for the most egregious offenses that catch a day of heat, then we move on. Besides these links, you also got my commentary!
    #CrisisLines #KFF

  16. CW: US crisis line worker survey - final report - 988

    Linking here to important work by Dan Fichter (he/him) and Greta Opzt (they/them) from survey of #CrisisLineWorkers. Final report here:
    crisiscrowd.org/survey/2023/re

    & here's a link to webpage with other resources, Dan's notes on the study and #KaiserFamilyFoundation reporting out today.
    crisiscrowd.org/

    Thoughts: This is important because it centers the voices of #CrisisLine workers. Also, because Dan and Greta have the ability--and access--to communicate the messages to authorities within the systems.

    In the US, the federal gov't agency #SAMHSA contracts with a non-profit #Vibrant to administer the #988Lifeline. This might solve some problems, but it creates many others. Non-profit is a tax designation & this is a capitalist system of "care". It also makes accountability difficult, except for the most egregious offenses that catch a day of heat, then we move on. Besides these links, you also got my commentary!
    #CrisisLines #KFF

  17. CW: US crisis line worker survey - final report - 988

    Linking here to important work by Dan Fichter (he/him) and Greta Opzt (they/them) from survey of #CrisisLineWorkers. Final report here:
    crisiscrowd.org/survey/2023/re

    & here's a link to webpage with other resources, Dan's notes on the study and #KaiserFamilyFoundation reporting out today.
    crisiscrowd.org/

    Thoughts: This is important because it centers the voices of #CrisisLine workers. Also, because Dan and Greta have the ability--and access--to communicate the messages to authorities within the systems.

    In the US, the federal gov't agency #SAMHSA contracts with a non-profit #Vibrant to administer the #988Lifeline. This might solve some problems, but it creates many others. Non-profit is a tax designation & this is a capitalist system of "care". It also makes accountability difficult, except for the most egregious offenses that catch a day of heat, then we move on. Besides these links, you also got my commentary!
    #CrisisLines #KFF

  18. CW: US crisis lines - TransLifeline short of funding, limiting hours

    #TransLifeline has announced limited hours and an end-of-year pause. They have a $2.5M shortfall & their workers have been stretched thin.

    They do not qualify for the wealth of funding available from US gov't #988Lifeline program, which requires adherence to involuntary intervention policy (can mean unwanted cops).

    My gratitude to TransLifeline, just knowing such a vital service with integrity is there, gives hope. Please contribute if you can.

    Hours of service and pause dates at link:
    translifeline.org/new-hours-eo
    #CrisisLines #SAMHSA #Vibrant

  19. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here is some updated information and resources from SAMHSA on gender-based violence.

    #violence #SAMHSA

    samhsa.gov/gender-based-violen

  20. CW: US crisis lines - "#AI" is here - links

    For awareness, US corporations #ProtoCall and #Lyssn earlier this year received a $2.1M US federal grant from NIMH to research & implement an "AI" system within the state of New Mexico 988 Lifeline crisis line response. With the usual assurances that all is well. I, of course, am opposed to such utter disrespect for human beings & intend, with help, to put a stop to it. I'm working on some things. Protocall is a #988Lifeline provider approved by nonprofit #Vibrant, fed agency #SAMHSA's grantee administrator. #CrisisLines
    #StatNews article Mario Aguilar June 2023
    statnews.com/2023/06/22/988-su
    Lyssn press release:
    lyssn.io/nimh-awards-lyssn-fir

  21. USA Crisis Lines - advocacy

    I have an invited commentary pending with a journal that contains very damaging facts for several authors & #CrisisTextLine. Seemingly stalled indefinitely. Initial letter to journal written Nov. 2021. Not sure what to do. Are Crisis Text Line or authors w/ clout pulling strings?

    I submitted an #FOIA to #SAMHSA on Aug 15, 2022. They STILL haven't provided responsive docs. First they sent me on wild goose chase to #VibrantEmotionalHealth, a private corp & their grantee administrator of #988Lifeline, whose public info person provided me with nothing. I had to appeal SAMHSA, they changed their mind, but have drifted through all self-imposed deadlines & still nothing.

    I won't outlive these agencies, but maybe my website will. I'm planning to add an accountability page, where I'll post all these fruitless exchanges w/ agencies & individual gatekeepers or whatever they are, for researchers/journalists.

    Not giving up. Making too many friends along the way.

    reformcrisistextline.com/decep

  22. @themarkup @jonkeegan @[email protected]

    Can't tell you how much I appreciate this reporting calling attention. Thank you.

    #BehavioralHealthLink shows up on the list. Dr. John Draper was w/ #VibrantEmotionalHealth for years (#SAMHSA 's grantee contractor for #988Lifeline), is now President of Research & Development at #BehavioralHealthLink which is researching so-called sentiment analysis & operates GCAL (Georgia).

    Behavioral Health Link develops & markets #CrisisLines services to #988Lifeline providers. One of their offerings: "Voice-Currently in R&D, voice analysis technology to provide real time feedback on a caller’s emotional state to improve care delivery."
    web.archive.org/web/2022120220

    Notice "VOICE - powered by MIMOSYS" (scroll down) at the taken-down webpage archive link above. Here's an article about the MIMOSYS "Mind Monitoring" system. openaccessgovernment.org/voice references at bottom of article.

    The exploitation of vulnerable persons needs stop.

  23. CW: crisis lines USA - privatization - data exploits

    The privatization of crisis care is here #CrisisLineIndustry. Data-driven has its good side. What disturbs me is these are thieves of data from all those sensitive, private words, without consent, into private sector " #AI " systems. USA has closely aligned private to #988Lifeline.

    Example for-profit:
    5 Lanes Crisis Partners, and yes one of the lanes is data/software.
    fivelanescrisis.com/who-we-are

    Dr. John Draper was w/ #VibrantEmotionalHealth for years (#SAMHSA 's grantee contractor for #988Lifeline), is now President of Research & Development at #BehavioralHealthLink, which is researching so-called sentiment analysis & operates #GCAL (Georgia).

    Receipts for Behavioral Health Link here (they took this page down) Scroll to "VOICE-powered by MIMOSYS"
    web.archive.org/web/2022120220

    Article link about the MIMOSYS "Mind Monitoring" system: openaccessgovernment.org/voice
    references at bottom of article. I worry about this #AIHype, harms it can bring to vulnerable + profit motive.

  24. CW: crisis lines - USA 988 Lifeline - capitalization, lack of respect

    3 of 3
    This is how our US systems of care capitalize on persons in crisis or seeking help. Remember this is a top 10 referral for online therapy coming from #988Lifeline, US fed agency #SAMHSA, and--the recipient of $100M + in tax dollar funding: #VibrantEmotionalHealth.

    #CrisisLines

  25. CW: crisis lines - USA 988 Lifeline - capitalization, lack of respect

    1 of 3
    Example, US govt (SAMHSA) crisis service defers to private corporations; result is capitalization off persons seeking help.

    1. #SAMHSA funds Vibrant Emotional Health private non-profit. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/

    2. From that page, click on Online Therapy resources

    3. Top 10 listing which has #BetterHelp at No. 1. Betterhelp was just fined $7.8M by US Federal Trade Commission #FTC for its data monetization practices.
    ftc.gov/news-events/news/press

    4. The Top 10 webpage monetizes its referrals "We may receive commission if you decide to use counseling services through BetterHelp or other resources on our website."
    onlinetherapy.com/best-online-

    (cont'd)

  26. CW: crisis lines USA - lack transparency - rant

    If you trust that #SAMHSA and its non-profit grantee #VibrantEmotionalHealth (administering USA #988Lifeline national crisis line system) are caring for people in crisis, you should see them stiff-arm me on legitimate requests for info about the service & private non-profit #CrisisTextLine. Shameful, discouraging, sad. Woeful systems of "care" in USA. Will make public when I can.

    This was an #FOIA to SAMHSA and "pretty please" requests to private corporation Vibrant ($48M USD in gov't contract for 988 in 2021, $103M total gov't contracts 2022). Private corps not subject to Freedom of Information Act = accountability shield. What a lack of accountability in a system that is supposed to be serving people at their most vulnerable and powerless moments. I'm not giving up!

  27. abcnews.go.com/Politics/988-su
    via ABC News App. The Biden administration has added $29.7M to the currently $7.2M, funding for #SAMHSA #SubstanceAbuse & #MentalHealth suicide prevention. About 45% #LGBTQ youth have thought about suicide more than 20% have attempted it. 15% of hetero youth thought of suicide with 6% attempting Advocates hailed the move as "critical."
    abcnews.go.com/Politics/988-su
    via ABC News App

  28. CW: crisis lines USA - battling the system

    #CrisisTextLine #crisislines

    #SAMHSA has finally answered my #FOIA request for info relating to Crisis Text Line and its status as a backup provider to #988Lifeline

    They said they have "no records". They said the records "belong to" their grantee #VibrantEmotionalHealth.

    Vibrant is a non-profit, private corporation.

    I don't know what's going on, but it's not good. There is no way they avoid public records laws by shoving it private.

    I'm not done

  29. Bonkers federal podcast downplays COVID-19, blasts health restrictions - Enlarge / Former Trump campaign official Michael Caputo arrives at the Hart Senate Office building ... - arstechnica.com/?p=1706686 #mccance-katz #publichealth #coronavirus #sars-cov-2 #alexazar #pandemic #science #caputo #samhsa #cdc #hhs