SAMHSA to shut down specialized 988 services for LGBTQ+ youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WEAU) - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is ending specialized 988 services for LGBTQ+ youth.

According to a press release from Senator Tammy Baldwin, the Trump Administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced their plans to shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth in 30 days.

“I worked hard to stand up a special line for LGBTQ+ youth because we are losing too many of our kids to suicide, and it’s well past time we did something about it. Children facing dark times and even contemplating taking their life often have nowhere else to turn besides this 988 Lifeline, and the Trump Administration is cruelly and needlessly taking that away,” said Senator Baldwin. “During Pride Month, a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made, the Trump Administration is taking us a step back and telling LGBTQ+ kids that they don’t matter and don’t deserve help when they are in crisis. This is not the final chapter of this story, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to protect these children. Suicide prevention has been and should continue to be a nonpartisan issue, and I call on my Republican colleagues who have long supported this program to fight for these kids, too. The children and teens who rely on 988 need our help, and it’s our duty to protect this literal lifeline for hundreds of thousands before it’s too late,” Senator Baldwin said.

Senator Baldwin’s full statement is available HERE.

According to a statement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, on July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the “Press 3 option.”

Below is the full statement that SAMHSA posted on their website:

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