HHS to end helpline’s LGBTQ-specific extension

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration this week confirmed it would end a specialized service through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Since 2022, callers to the helpline could press 3 to reach crisis counselors specifically trained to assist young people under the age of 25 who identify as LGBTQ. That option will be discontinued on July 17, according to the administration, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Callers looking for help can still receive counseling services and support through the regular helpline.

What is the history of the 988 line? President Donald Trump in 2020 signed a bill making 988 the phone number to reach the national suicide prevention hotline. It officially launched in 2022. The helpline had previously operated through a standard 10-digit phone number. HHS has invested nearly $1.5 billion in the program and it now offers text and chat services, as well as video options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. More than 14.5 million people have contacted the service since 2022.

When was the extension added to the helpline? Federal officials established the extension in 2022 as a pilot program through a government agreement with a third party, according to the administration. Congress dedicated $29.7 million to the specialized service as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and increased the amount to $33 million in 2024. The 2026 budget proposal does not include funding for the program.

How many people have called 988 for LGBTQ-specific issues? Since 2022, the program received 1.3 million people who pressed 3 to seek help through the extension, according to The Trevor Project, one of the subcontractors providing counselors for the specialized service. Advocates from the group and other pro-LGBTQ organizations have called for lawmakers to reconsider the move to defund the program.

Dig deeper: Read my report about bereaved families advocating for more online safety to protect children.