Native youth program faces cuts as federal grant expires

A program in Kern County, California, that integrates traditional cultural practices to prevent suicide and substance use among Native youth faces uncertainty as federal funding ends, according to The Intersection. Since 2020 the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project has used federal grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support youth services.

The Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 budget proposes eliminating Tribal Behavioral Health Grants, known as Native Connections. The program’s final funding round ends July 30 and technical assistance contracts expire in August. BAIHP CEO Angel Galvez said the reason for the grant’s discontinuation is unclear. Program director Johnny Delgado added that the loss of culture‑based services may reduce outreach and risk reduction for Native youth.