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These programs, many administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Education (ED), play a critical role in addressing persistent workforce shortages, expanding access to care in underserved communities, and strengthening the capacity of health and human services systems nationwide.
The proposed elimination of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, and various Title VII HRSA geriatric, health professions, and mental and behavioral health programs pose great risk to the social work workforce and the communities they serve. CSWE's MFP strengthens the mental health and substance use workforce, expands access to culturally responsive care, and addresses critical workforce shortages—outcomes that align directly with the Administration’s stated public health priorities.
Eliminating this funding would undermine efforts to meet growing behavioral health needs across the country. Reductions in funding for workforce development may lead to fewer trained providers, reduced training capacity at institutions of higher education and community-based programs, and diminished ability to respond to pressing public health challenges. Similarly, the proposed elimination of programs supporting Minority-Serving Institutions at the Department of Education and other student aim programs will make higher education less accessible and affordable.
CSWE urges members of Congress, federal agencies and partner organizations to advocate for adequate access to training and education resources for social workers and reject cuts that fail to ensure existing workforce programs remain strong, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Published on : April 8, 2026
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) expresses deep concern regarding the President’s Budget Request for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which proposes large reductions and eliminations of federal health workforce programs that are essential to preparing and sustaining the nation’s behavioral health and social services workforce.These programs, many administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Education (ED), play a critical role in addressing persistent workforce shortages, expanding access to care in underserved communities, and strengthening the capacity of health and human services systems nationwide.
The proposed elimination of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, and various Title VII HRSA geriatric, health professions, and mental and behavioral health programs pose great risk to the social work workforce and the communities they serve. CSWE's MFP strengthens the mental health and substance use workforce, expands access to culturally responsive care, and addresses critical workforce shortages—outcomes that align directly with the Administration’s stated public health priorities.
Eliminating this funding would undermine efforts to meet growing behavioral health needs across the country. Reductions in funding for workforce development may lead to fewer trained providers, reduced training capacity at institutions of higher education and community-based programs, and diminished ability to respond to pressing public health challenges. Similarly, the proposed elimination of programs supporting Minority-Serving Institutions at the Department of Education and other student aim programs will make higher education less accessible and affordable.
CSWE urges members of Congress, federal agencies and partner organizations to advocate for adequate access to training and education resources for social workers and reject cuts that fail to ensure existing workforce programs remain strong, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities they serve.