More than 4,000 federal workers have received “reduction in force” notices since the federal government shutdown began.

Among the agencies hit is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a grantmaking agency that provides funding and support for state mental health programs. It’s best known for funding and operating the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline.

After 24 years of dedication to the mental health field, Sue Abderholden closed her laptop one last time.

“I will be officially retired,” said Abderholden, executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. 

“What are you going to miss the most?” WCCO asked. 

“The people. I’ve just met so many incredible people in this job,” said Abderholden.

As the head of NAMI Minnesota, she compares today’s mental health climate to when she first walked in the door.

“People are talking about it, which didn’t really happen 24 years ago,” said Abderholden. “People aren’t afraid to share that they’re living with mental illness.” 

Now she says some of that progress might be at risk, saying cuts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are a problem.

“We have 988 that’s under SAMHSA. We think that’s safe for now, but we really need to watch it,” said Abderholden. 

She adds that SAMHSA issues the Community Mental Health Block Grant, which funds services insurance can’t.

Some of those services include: 

Native American servicesEducation NAMI providesMental health hotlines like “988”

SAMHSA also oversees community behavioral health clinics in-person services at several Minnesota locations.

“After all these years trying to build the system, we’re not there yet but we’ve made progress, I see this as really devastating to the future of our mental health system,” said Abderholden.

She says the cuts that are chipping away at that system make her retirement bittersweet.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.

In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.