QUALITY COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTER IMPACTED BY TERMINATION OF FEDERAL ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS
- QCHC Communications
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Charlotte, NC — Quality Comprehensive Health Center (QCHC) announced today that it has been directly impacted by the federal government’s decision to terminate addiction and mental health grants nationwide, a move first reported by NPR on January 14, 2026.
According to NPR, the administration issued hundreds of letters to nonprofit organizations across the country notifying them that federal grants supporting mental health and substance use disorder services were being terminated. The letters stated that the programs were no longer aligned with federal priorities and that costs incurred after the termination date would generally not be eligible for reimbursement.
On the morning of January 14, 2026, Quality Comprehensive Health Center received formal notification that its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded contract had been terminated, effective immediately.
Through this SAMHSA funding, QCHC provided case management, linkage to mental health services, and recovery housing assistance to 71 unduplicated clients in Mecklenburg County—individuals navigating substance use, mental health challenges, housing instability, and limited access to care.
“This news is devastating,” said Dr. Ra’Shawn D. Flournoy, CEO of Quality Comprehensive Health Center. “So many of our clients depend on these services for stability, recovery, and survival. To receive an email stating that our contract is terminated without warning places lives at risk and disrupts critical care for people who are already vulnerable.”
Local Impact
The terminated funding supported services that helped clients:
Maintain consistent case management and care coordination
Access mental health and substance use treatment providers
Secure recovery housing assistance that reduces relapse and homelessness
“With the continued rise in mental health needs and substance use across our community, the timing of these cuts is deeply concerning,” Dr. Flournoy added. “Community health centers like ours are often the last line of defense. When this support is removed, the consequences extend beyond individual clients—they impact families, hospitals, shelters, and public safety systems.”
Compliance & Accountability Statement
Quality Comprehensive Health Center affirms that:
All services under the SAMHSA grant were delivered in full compliance with federal requirements and within the approved scope of work
The termination was administrative in nature and not related to audit findings, performance deficiencies, or compliance violations
QCHC is actively reviewing federal closeout guidance and pursuing alternative funding strategies to minimize service disruption
Despite the funding termination, QCHC remains committed to transparency, fiscal stewardship, and advocacy for the individuals and families it serves.
“We will not abandon our clients,” said Dr. Flournoy. “But the reality is that sudden federal funding decisions have real consequences for real people. We are calling on policymakers, partners, and funders to act quickly to protect community-based mental health and recovery services.”
Call to Action
Quality Comprehensive Health Center urges:
Federal and state leaders to address the immediate and downstream impacts of behavioral health grant terminations
Community partners to collaborate on continuity-of-care solutions
Philanthropic and private funders to support community-based mental health and recovery programs during this transition
Media Contact:
Sade Hobson
Community Engagement Director
704-994-5980
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