FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2025

The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) urges the protection of mental health services and condemns proposed Medicaid cuts.

Given the catastrophic effects that the proposed Medicaid cuts in the federal budget will have on the mental health and general well-being of millions of Americans, especially Black and marginalized communities that depend on Medicaid for critical healthcare services, NABC vehemently opposes the cuts.

In the US, Medicaid is the biggest provider of funding for drug and mental health care. Reducing funding for this important program will worsen already-existing inequities in access to care, disproportionately harming communities of color, older persons, low-income families, and people with disabilities. Reducing Medicaid's reach will worsen health outcomes, increase treatment hurdles, and increase hospitalizations at a time when trauma, mental health crises, and systemic injustices continue to plague Black communities.

By opposing these detrimental changes and making sure that mental health services continue to be adequately financed and accessible, NABC calls on legislators to put healthcare equity first. Mental health care is essential, not a luxury. Policies that increase, not limit, access to care are essential to the health of our communities.

We support the demands of impacted individuals, advocacy organizations, and medical professionals for complete protection of Medicaid funds. We remain committed to advocating for policies that uphold the mental and emotional well-being of all individuals, especially those who have historically been underserved.