HHS unveils program to address homelessness and addiction, part of a set of new initiatives [View all]

Last edited Tue Feb 3, 2026, 06:12 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: AP

Updated 3:08 PM EST, February 2, 2026


NEW YORK (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday announced that his department will devote $100 million toward a pilot program addressing homelessness and substance abuse in eight cities, building on an executive order President Donald Trump signed last week related to addiction.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will also make faith-based organizations eligible for addiction-related grants and expand states’ ability to use federal health funding for substance abuse treatment in certain situations involving children, Kennedy said at an annual “Prevention Day” event for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The new initiatives signal the administration acting on an issue that hits close to home for many Americans – including Kennedy, who has been open about his past heroin addiction and lifelong commitment to recovery. They represent some quick momentum for Trump’s executive order signed last Thursday launching what Trump calls the “Great American Recovery Initiative” to better align federal resources on the addiction crisis.

Yet the announcements come as the administration’s actions so far have created uncertainty, fear and logistical challenges for mental health and substance abuse treatment providers around the country.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-addiction-mental-health-grants-54a453796d8753067e3f4b39a1d92156