Trump Administration Ends LGBT‑Youth Option on National Suicide Hotline
Starting July 17, 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will eliminate the “Press 3” LGBTQ+ youth option on the U.S. 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Previously, callers under 25 could connect directly to counselors trained to support LGBTQ+ young people—now all callers will receive general support only. From Targeted to Generalized Service Since its 2022 launch in partnership with The Trevor Project, the specialized service has supported over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth. The 2026 HHS budget removes the ~US$33 million allocated to the program, while keeping overall funding for the 988 line intact at US$520 million . Critics Sound Alarm Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black called the decision “devastating,” noting the service was evidence-based and effective for a high-risk demographic. Advocates highlighted that LGBTQ+ youth are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers—and losing […]