Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly announced a $2 billion cut to mental health and substance abuse programs—only to reverse course days later after public outcry from healthcare providers, advocates, and lawmakers.

This decision, tied to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), would have destabilized crisis hotlines, overdose prevention efforts, and mental health recovery programs nationwide. While the reversal is welcome, the fact that it was ever proposed—and without public warning—raises serious concerns about transparency, process, and accountability within HHS.

If a $2 billion cut to life-saving care can be made and then quietly reversed behind closed doors, what else is happening that we haven’t heard about?

We cannot afford another near-miss. That’s why we’re calling on Congress and the White House to establish an independent oversight board to review all major funding decisions at HHS that could affect:

Mental health and addiction services
Public health programs
Disease prevention and treatment infrastructure
Community-based care networks

This board must include public health experts, mental health professionals, community leaders, and patient advocates—not just political appointees. It must also have the authority to pause or block cuts pending full transparency and public comment.

Our health and well-being should never be subject to sudden, opaque decisions that threaten the lives of millions.

We, the undersigned, demand that:

• Congress establish an independent HHS Oversight and Accountability Board;
• No major program cuts go forward without public review and justification;
• HHS provide regular public reporting on proposed and pending funding changes.

It shouldn’t take a public backlash to stop a disastrous policy. Safeguards must be in place before lives are put at risk.

Sign now to demand transparency, accountability, and oversight at HHS.

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