RFK Jr. presents $700 million in mental health funding, but experts say grants aren’t new - Takeaways - MDSpire

RFK Jr. presents $700 million in mental health funding, but experts say grants aren’t new

  • By

  • Lev Facher

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The Trump administration announced $700 million for mental health and addiction programs, focusing on homelessness due to untreated mental illness.

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    Experts argue the funding is not new but the release of existing grants previously authorized by Congress.

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    Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. framed the funding as a success of the Trump administration's initiatives.

  • 4

    The STREETS initiative, targeting substance use and severe mental illness among the homeless, is also seen as funding from existing programs.

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    Kennedy acknowledged that the funding would not significantly change the public health landscape regarding the drug problem.

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