Thread by @FluteMagician

1) The Trump administration has fired Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) staff. Now, Trump is going to tell you this is a “Democrat program”. I will now prove to you that it is NOT. So let’s begin⬇️

abcnews.go.com/Politics/menta…

2) SAMHSA helped create Arizona’s SMI program. In a nutshell, what it does is provide free behavioral health services to those eligible—regardless of income. It’s not means tested. Free meds, therapy, and so forth. Let’s continue⬇️

3) The program is successful for many reasons. Now, the GOP has explained mass shootings by saying “we have a mental health crisis”. Yes, and this is how you fix that. You create programs like this. Let’s continue⬇️

4) You see, eligibility is determined by DIAGNOSIS NOT INCOME. Think about that for a moment. You determine people need help and you give it to them. Let’s see more⬇️

5) The program is funded through Medicaid. Medicaid is another program the GOP cut months ago in the BBB. They want “work requirements” in Medicaid, too, which presents a means testing problem for the successful Arizona SMI program. Let’s see more⬇️

6) As we saw, the program is funded by Medicaid and grants from SAMHSA. And who expanded Medicaid in Arizona which also helped fund the SMI program? A Republican governor. Now, what were her reasons for expanding Medicaid? Let’s find out next⬇️

7) See that “reducing uncompensated care”? The GOP now whines about that happening in ERs. Well, Medicaid EXPANSION is how you solve that problem. As a REPUBLICAN governor knew. Let’s see more⬇️

8) Rural hospitals closing is a problem talked about right now. And we also know how this problem is solved—Medicaid expansion and greater eligibility. But the GOP cut Medicaid and made people less eligible. Next⬇️

9) Again, a Republican governor basically proved SAMHSA isn’t a “Democrat program”. In fact, it’s an American program. Mental illness doesn’t choose sufferers by political party. She chose to fight her own party. Why doesn’t GOP Congress have that courage now? And⬇️

10) She did what she knew to be right. But GOP Congress now does what Trump tells them is right for him. And they do it. But if the GOP admits there’s a mental health crisis in America, cutting SAMHSA is exactly how you make it much worse. For everyone, regardless of party.