Phoenix House Statement on Federal Cuts to Critical Substance Use Programs

NEW YORK, NY (03/27/2025) (readMedia)-- On Tuesday, the Trump administration's unofficial federal branch, DOGE, terminated more than $300 million in public health funding to New York State, cutting off a critical lifeline for the programs that fight New York's substance use and mental health crisis and keep New Yorkers safe.

Today, Phoenix House CEO and President Ann-Foster, who also sits on the NYSBA Task Force on Opioid Addiction, issued the following statement in response:

"The federal government's decision to illegally slash hundreds of millions in State funding will kill New Yorkers and bring chaos to our streets. In the middle of our State's public health and housing crisis, community members are already at severe risk as treatment providers struggle to keep up with surging demands for care. Our members of Congress must immediately stand up and fight to restore these cuts. And Governor Hochul and the State Legislature must quickly prepare a contingency plan for if and when the money runs out. With substance use and overdose rates still at historic highs, New Yorkers need this critical funding now more than ever."

About Phoenix House:

For 57 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

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