The Trump administration has delayed — and could cancel — $140 million in grants Congress approved to support a CDC overdose prevention program, NPR reported July 16.
CDC staffers told NPR on condition of anonymity the administration has paused funding to the Overdose Data to Action program. The initiative provides funding to state and local organizations for fentanyl overdose prevention.
On Sept. 1, funding will cease for many Overdose Data to Action programs.
With additional funding uncertain, some public health organizations have paused new spending on overdose prevention, according to NPR.
The pause is the latest potential reduction of mental health and substance use funding. Earlier in 2025, HHS cut $1 billion in funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In addition, the proposed HHS budget would slash more than two dozen mental health and substance use programs.
Overdose deaths have declined since 2023, according to CDC data. Experts said Overdose Data to Action funding was one factor behind the decline, according to NPR.
