State-mandated budget reductions affect health programs, with larger cuts likely aheademail0LinkedinPrintNew Hampshire’s largest state agency has reduced funding for mental health services, public health programs, food assistance initiatives and other health-related services after lawmakers required agencies to cut spending following passage of the current state budget, according to a new analysis from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI). • More than $3.1 million in reductions affected mental health services, including community mental health center contracts, services that help people transition home after psychiatric hospitalization and homeless shelter programs. “As policymakers begin planning the next state budget, understanding how funding decisions affect access to mental health care, family supports, public health programs and food assistance will be critical to knowing what these budget choices mean for Granite Staters.” The full report, “State Curtails Funding for Health Services, with Larger Cuts Expected This Fiscal Year, is available www.nhfpi.org/resource/state-curtails-funding-forhealth-services-with-larger-cuts-expectedthis-fiscal-year. The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute is sharing this article with the partners in The Granite State News Collaborative (collaborativenh.org).