Millions cancelled for behavioral health care, respiratory illness prevention and treatment, state lab, community health centers, public health workers in Massachusetts

Boston - The Healey-Driscoll Administration is condemning the Trump Administration’s move to terminate more than $11 billion in public health grants across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has notified state departments of public health, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, about the sudden termination of multiple federal public health infrastructure grants. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has also abruptly terminated awards to the Department of Mental Health.

These grants are expected to bring nearly $100 million to Massachusetts over the next year, and much of the funding has already been obligated under the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The Trump Administration is moving to terminate the unobligated portions of the grants. This funding is used to support the core functions of the State Public Health Laboratory, including treatment and testing for respiratory diseases, like bird flu. Resources support the Massachusetts vaccine infrastructure and provide grants to community-based organizations to improve vaccine uptake and counter against vaccine mis- and disinformation. Much of the funding goes directly to the community, including to community heath centers across the state to support workforce and community investments.

“This is yet another example of President Trump and Elon Musk undermining the health and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts and people across this nation. Massachusetts depends on this funding to provide behavioral health care, prevent and treat respiratory illnesses, and ensure that community-based organizations, including community health centers and workers, have the resources they need to care for patients,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Donald Trump was elected and promised to make life cheaper, healthier and easier for people, but he’s taking us backwards on all of those fronts. We will continue to assess the full impacts and are in touch with the Attorney General’s Office and the 49 other states facing similar challenges.”

“We need a federal partner who is going to work with states to support local health care providers and make sure we have the tools to prevent and treat illnesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts does not have the resources to replace all of the funding that President Trump and Elon Musk are terminating. Massachusetts will always step up to keep people safe and healthy, but we need the federal government to work with us, not against us.”

“This is not just a blue state or red state issue, this is a deeply concerning blow to public health infrastructure across our country,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “Strong public health infrastructure helps states prevent, monitor and manage outbreaks and divert resources where they’re needed to keep us safe from a wide range of diseases, including the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Public health doesn’t stop at state lines. States need to be able to rely on the federal government for funding, coordination, and policy leadership in order to effectively protect public health.”

“This decision by the Trump Administration is troubling and potentially devastating to public health,” said Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “We rely on these funds to carry out important work at the Department and with our partners in the community. These resources fund our state lab, supplement our statewide vaccine infrastructure, and provide the support needed for community-based organizations across the state. They represent investments in the core functions of public health. We are working quickly to analyze the fiscal and operational impacts of these abrupt terminations.”