Crisis & Suicide Prevention · Texas behavioral health news
UPDATED: Texas LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline Faces Federal Cuts - Dallas Observer
988 Lifeline / Crisis (Google News) · June 18, 2025
In plain language
The national 988 suicide and crisis hotline is making major changes, including the removal of the specialized LGBTQ+ youth option on July 17. While all counselors are trained to help everyone, the dedicated branch for young LGBTQ+ callers will end as federal funding is redistributed. In response, Texas lawmakers are working on a bipartisan bill to help cover a $7 million state funding gap for the hotline. This state effort aims to ensure that all Texans continue to have access to immediate mental health support despite federal shifts.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- The 988 hotline will stop using a specialized 'press 3' option for LGBTQ+ youth on July 17.
- Federal agencies are reallocating $33 million previously dedicated to specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services.
- Texas is facing a $7 million deficit in funding its state-run 988 crisis centers.
- A bipartisan Texas bill would create a monthly phone bill surcharge to provide stable hotline funding.
- About 80% of 988 calls are resolved over the phone without needing emergency responders.
- LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
UPDATED: Texas LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline Faces Federal Cuts Dallas Observer
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