The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is proud to join a growing coalition of national mental health and substance use recovery advocates calling attention to federal policy shifts that threaten the services, supports, and rights people need to live and recover in their communities.
Over the past several months, the Alliance has been working closely with proponents across the country including recovery advocates, providers, researchers, and civil rights organizations to ensure that national policies strengthen rather than undermine access to services, housing, food security, and community-based recovery supports. Together, this coalition is raising urgent concerns about federal actions that could weaken programs people rely on while advancing a shared vision of policies that expand recovery-oriented services and protect the rights of people with mental health and substance use conditions.
The recently released national policy response highlights serious concerns about federal efforts that could reduce access to Medicaid, restrict food assistance, weaken housing supports, and dismantle key federal behavioral health infrastructure such as SAMHSA. It also calls attention to growing rhetoric and policy proposals that emphasize coercive or institutional approaches rather than the voluntary, community-based services proven to support long-term recovery.
At the same time, advocates are working proactively to advance solutions. The coalition is organizing policy briefings, coordinated advocacy efforts, and rapid response strategies to counter harmful narratives and promote policies that expand peer support, Housing First, harm reduction, and other recovery-centered services.
The Alliance is committed to continuing this work alongside our national partners to ensure that federal policy supports the rights, dignity, and recovery of all people. By working together across states and sectors, we can build a stronger system that prioritizes community living, voluntary supports, and meaningful access to the services people need to thrive.
New Yorkers who want to learn more about these national advocacy efforts and the policy shifts affecting mental health and substance use services are encouraged to attend the Alliance’s Executive Seminar in April. The seminar will highlight federal developments, state policy updates, and strategies advocates and providers can use to protect and expand recovery-oriented services in the months ahead.
Register Today:
2026 Alliance for Rights and Recovery Executive Seminar Tickets, Thursday, Apr 16 from 9 am to 4 pm | Eventbrite
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Leaders
Decry Trump Administration’s Threatening Policies
Contacts: Paolo del Vecchio, pdv1820@gmail.com
Vanessa Ramos, vanessa.ramos@disabilityrightsca.org
Luke Sikinyi, lukes@rightsandrecovery.org, 518-703-0264
WASHINGTON (March 4th) – Following President Trump’s State of the Union address, a newly formed national coalition of recovery advocates has condemned federal policies that will harm people with mental health and substance use conditions and their families.
“The federal government plays a critical role in shaping and funding national, state, and local policies affecting the recovery, rights, and community living of people with mental health and substance use conditions,” said Paolo del Vecchio, a former federal official and one of the leaders of a new national coalition comprising recovering individuals, behavioral health professionals and service providers, researchers, and legal rights advocates. “We are alarmed by recent federal actions that are jeopardizing access to essential health care, housing, food, recovery support services, and human rights protections”.
The group referenced the nearly $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and changes taking effect in early 2027 that are expected to increase administrative burdens and coverage disruptions; efforts to dismantle the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); new SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) restrictions causing reductions in food access; the criminalization of gender-affirming health care for trans youth; uncertainty around Section 8 vouchers and other housing supports; and efforts to scale back critical Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.
Proposed federal cuts for state Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems – often the only legal defense available to people with disabilities – are also a serious concern, as is the Administration’s growing emphasis on coercive approaches, including expanded involuntary treatment and institutionalization. In addition, traumatic ICE and CBP activity and false rhetoric risk discouraging people from seeking support, and reinforce harmful stigma.
“Recovery happens in communities, not institutions,” said Vanessa Ramos of Disability Rights California. “Voluntary community-based programs – such as Peer Support, Housing First and Harm Reduction – that strengthen stability, dignity, and opportunity are proven approaches that deliver better outcomes for individuals, create safer communities, and significantly reduce costs. Current funding priorities and low reimbursement rates make large institutions appear to ‘meet the need,’ even as demand for accessible community-based services far exceeds supply,” she said.
The coalition is grateful to Congress and the greater advocacy community for their successful efforts to roll back the Administration’s $2 billion cut to vital SAMHSA community service grants and is calling on the President and Congress to prioritize Medicaid and food stability; affordable housing; peer-led, community-based, and equity-focused services; and voluntary, recovery-oriented supports.
The coalition will kick off its efforts with the creation of policy briefs and rapid response system to combat the Administration’s deeply misguided policies and flawed media and public narratives, coordinated advocacy actions, a voter registration and candidate education campaign and the crafting of state and federal legislation reflecting the group’s core principles of expanding services and approaches that promote recovery and human rights protections.
Signed:
Alaska Youth and Family Network
Alliance for Rights and Recovery
Disability Rights California
Faces and Voices of Recovery
Friends of Recovery-New York
Kiva Centers
Mental Health Policy Roundtable
National Federation of Families
The New York City Justice Peer Initiative
Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness
Youth MOVE National
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