A Message Regarding Last Week’s Threat to Mental Health Funding

Last week’s brief but serious threat to federal mental health funding was a reminder of something we already know all too well: mental health care isn’t optional—it’s essential.

For organizations like WAVES, and for the individuals, families, and communities we serve, funding decisions directly impact access to care, crisis response, prevention, and healing. Even short-term disruptions can create real harm. While we’re grateful that this funding was restored, moments like this highlight why continued advocacy matters. If funding for mental health is ever threatened again, here’s how you can take action: 

• Stay informed through trusted sources and advocacy organizations, like NAMI or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Contact your elected officials—calls and emails matter more than you think
• Support and amplify local mental health organizations
• Vote with mental health in mind

We know mental health matters, but we can’t create the systemic change it calls for without recognizing the need for funding, too. And protecting it is a shared responsibility. Below, you can find a link to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s page on how to be an advocate. We hope you consider taking the time to check it out. Thank you to everyone who pushed back on funding cuts this past week—you made a difference!💙🌊