The LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas faced a sudden federal funding cut of about $700,000 to its mental health services, but the decision was reversed within 24 hours. John Waldron, CEO of the Center, told News 3 LV, “This came out of nowhere. It was announced in the middle of the night.” The funding supports programs such as outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, and services for people with depression, anxiety, and substance use issues.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration initially told The Center that "no corrective action is possible here since no corrective action could align the award with current agency priorities," which would have forced the organization to cut services or rely on donors, as obtained by FOX5 Vegas. On Wednesday night, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the funds would be reinstated. Waldron said, "We applaud the decision to restore these funds. This is a welcome and necessary correction. The Center urges continued bipartisan leadership to ensure stable, predictable funding for evidence-based mental health and addiction programs. Lives depend on it," as per News 3 LV.
In mentioning the vital nature of the services, Waldron pointed to a particular case to FOX5 Vegas, "We have a young woman who hasn't been able to live on her own in years because of her substance abuse issues, who's now thriving, living in her own apartment. She's no longer living in a sober living home. She did that all through our mental health programming and those are the things that are at risk if we allow this to continue and we don’t find the funding that we need to continue the program." This reinstatement not only supports the continuity of such success stories but also assures the community that The Center remains a steadfast resource for those in need.
