FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026

Parker, CO — Dr. Jenna Preston, candidate for U. S. Congress in Colorado’s 4th District and licensed clinical psychologist, is speaking out against the overnight cuts to federal mental health and substance use funding, including funding that was already appropriated by Congress and intended to support communities in crisis.

“These cuts are devastating,” Preston said. “At a moment when more people than ever are struggling, pulling funding with no warning is irresponsible and dangerous.”

Colorado is already facing one of the most serious mental health crises in the country. According to Mental Health America, Colorado ranks 49th or 50th in behavioral health support, meaning CO residents experiencing mental health challenges already lack access to the help they need. The state also ranks in the top 10 for adult substance use disorder prevalence, highlighting how widespread the need for treatment truly is.

Nearly three in ten Colorado adults report living with a mental health condition, well above the national average. Workforce shortages, affordability issues, and limited services mean far too many people still cannot get the help they need.

“This affects families, veterans, first responders, postpartum women in treatment, and entire communities,” Preston said. “You cannot talk about public safety, economic stability, or reducing addiction to substances like fentanyl, while stripping away mental health and substance use services that people rely on.”

Preston criticized the cuts as a failure of leadership at the federal level.

“This is a direct reflection of an administration that is not listening to the reality families are living with,” she said. “Stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma are rising, and instead of responding with care, these services are being taken away.”

Preston made clear that mental health and substance use treatment would be a top priority if elected to Congress.

“I would fight to restore this funding and push to increase it,” Preston said. “This is not a side issue. Mental health is my number one priority, because nothing else works if people cannot get the care they need.”

Preston called on leaders in Washington to immediately reverse the cuts and protect the funding Congress already appropriated for mental health and substance use programs.

Media Contact

Jenna Preston for Congress
Jenna Preston, Psy.D., LP
Email:info@preston4congress.com
Website: https://www.preston4congress.com