04-04-2025
Sacramento LGBT Center loses $500K in federal funds for mental health services
( — The Sacramento LGBT Community Center says federal action caused it to suddenly loose nearly $500,000 dollars in government funding.•Video above: Sacramento LGBT Center opens its doors for a forum to address some concerns
The federal Department of Health and Human Services suddenly canceled more than billions of dollars in federal grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Mental Health Services Administration to states for mental health, recovery support, HIV, and other infectious diseases prevention.
According to the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, the result of this action has caused an immediate termination of a mental health grant to the center with nearly $500,000 remaining on their contracts. As a result, the center is now calling for community support and for the government to take action on this.
'This decision leaves some of the most vulnerable members of our community without access to critical services,' said David Heitstuman, CEO. 'We are working around the clock to preserve continuity of care and ensure clients aren't showing up for their counseling appointments with no one to see them, but we cannot do it alone.'
Priya Kumar, Communications and Marketing Manager for Sacramento LGBT Community Center stated the center serves hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals every year under the program, which includes unhoused youth, people living with substance use disorder, and those navigating mental health crises.
The center was notified on April 1 that all funding ceased as of March 24 with no warning and no phase-out period, stated Kumar in a news release. The termination not only has affected the Sacramento region but also communities across California and the United States.
'We are still seeking clarification from the federal government as to the specific reasons for this lapse in communication,' said Kumar. 'The lack of timely notification created a situation where the Center had to retroactively adjust to the loss of funding.'
Kumar stated the center is looking for emergency funding, public support, and legislative advocacy to continue serving those whose care is at risk. Kumar says the one-week delay has caused many disruptions to their services.
'This has created a very difficult situation for our clients & community,' said Kumar.
Kumar told that now their priority is to mitigate the damage and continue to provide essential services to our community and still advocate for greater transparency when it comes to future funding decisions.
LGBTQ+ youths face mental health emergencies that are heightened by hostile legislation, social stigma, and identity-based discrimination, stated Kumar.
To highlight the work done by the center, Kumar points to The Trevor Project's 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. According to that survey:
39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year
Among transgender and nonbinary youth, the rate jumps to 46%
50% of LGBTQ+ youth who sought mental health care were unable to access it
LGBTQ+ youth in affirming environments — have significantly lower suicide risk
If you would like to donate to the center you can click here.
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