Responding to Federal Funding Reductions

In early June, Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (H3RC) was notified that funding through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would be reduced by approximately 60 percent. Unfortunately, that reduction meant we had to reduce services supported by this grant.

The reduction affected two programs: behavioral health therapy for people living with substance use disorders and a housing support program on Hawaiʻi Island that served justice-involved individuals working toward stability and successful reentry into the community.

We know these services made a meaningful difference for the people who relied on them, and we understand how difficult this change has been. Our priority was making sure everyone affected was informed, supported, and connected to other available resources whenever possible to help ensure continuity of care. We're grateful to our staff and community partners who worked tirelessly throughout that transition.

While these reductions represent a difficult loss, they do not change H3RC's commitment to improving the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi's communities. Every day, we continue to provide HIV and hepatitis prevention and care, harm reduction services, behavioral health programs, gender-affirming healthcare, housing support, and many other essential public health services across the state.

Like many nonprofit organizations, we're navigating an increasingly uncertain federal funding landscape. We remain committed to identifying new funding opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for the resources needed to ensure people across Hawaiʻi continue to have access to compassionate, evidence-based care.

Mahalo to our staff, community partners, volunteers, donors, and everyone who places their trust in H3RC. Your support allows us to keep moving forward, adapting to new challenges while staying true to our mission of ensuring every person is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.