The Trump administration has reversed the cancellation of mental health and addiction program grants throughout the nation, including more than $6 million for Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.
Late Wednesday, Guam time, the governor’s office was notified of the cuts.
NPR reported that throughout the nation, the funding cuts were met by backlash from Democrats and Republicans, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services decided to restore the grant money.
“We are relieved that these harmful cuts have been reversed,” Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in an announcement Thursday. “The funding at stake supports life-saving services for people struggling with addiction, mental illness, and crisis. These are not abstract dollars—they represent care, stability, and hope for real families here on Guam.”
The termination letters sent to agencies and nonprofit groups throughout the country stated that the mental health and addiction programs did not align with the Trump administration’s public health agenda, according to NPR.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio had planned to use local money to make up for the shortfall, although doing so would have led to a budget shortfall for Behavioral Health.
“This experience underscores why Guam must always be prepared to protect essential services when federal decisions are made without warning or consultation,” Leon Guerrero said. “We will continue to advocate for stability, predictability, and respect for the people who rely on these programs.”
