The Trump administration to close the LGBTQ+ Sughide Hotline program next month
The Federal Government said Tuesday that the specialized support of the Direct Line of National Suicide for young LGBTQ+ is finishing next month.
In Press releaseThe administration of substance and mental health services (Samhsa), which is under the Department of Health and Human Services, said suicide 988 AND Crisis Lifeline would close the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program on July 17.
“Suicide 988 AND Crisis Lifeline will no longer be Silo LGB+ Youth Services, also known as the ‘Press 3’ option, to focus on serving all Help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option, “Samhsa said in the statement.
“All those who communicate with Lifeline 988 will continue to receive access to qualified, attentive and culturally competent crisis counselors that can help with suicidal crises, misuse of substances or mental health, or any other type of emotional anguish,” the statement continued. “Anyone calling Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”
In September 2022, 988 launched a pilot program to specifically address the needs of LGBTQ+ Americans under 25 years of providing services to a training advisor to support young people and young adults LGBTQ+. In March 2023, the program expanded to 24/7 services.
Samhsa data It shows more than 1.2 million people LGBTQ+ contacted 988 between July 2022, the beginning of the new three -digit number for the direct line of national suicide, and February 2025.
The Trevor project, a non -profit organization that focuses on suicide prevention efforts among young LGBTQ+, was one of those who provide support for the specialized program. The organization said Wednesday that it received a notice that the program was finishing.
“This means that, in 30 short days, this program that has provided services to save lives to more than 1.3 million young LGBTQ+ It will no longer be available for those who need it, “Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor project, sad in a statement. “The fact that this news comes to the middle of the month of pride is insensitive, as well as the choice of the administration to eliminate the ‘t’ of the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in its announcement.”
Studies show that young people who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, interrogator or other non -heterosexual identity) report higher rates of poor mental health and higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their cisgenery and heterosexual pairs.
In 2023, more than three out of five high school students LGBTQ+ said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to a 2024 report on the youth risk behavior survey, published by the centers for control and disease prevention.
The report also found that 41% of young LGBTQ+ seriously considered the attempt of suicide in the last year and one in five tried suicide.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicide thoughts: free confidential aid is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or send a text message to the National Lifeline at 988.
