From American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CEO Bob Gebbia
NEW YORK, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yesterday, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) ordered the closure of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Press 3 Option, which connects LGBTQ+ youth with uniquely trained counselors and specialized services.
Eliminating this service will put young lives at risk. Facing stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers1, and in 2023, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide2. These stark statistics underline the critical need for specialized support services, which research3 shows can build greater trust and lead to better outcomes in health and well-being for specific populations such as the LGTBQ+ community.
AFSP stands with all those in the mental health community strongly urging Congress to reverse this decision and continue funding these critical, life-saving services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Lifeline.
1CDC (2022)
2U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People (2023)
3 Practicing Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility in the Care of Diverse Patients (2020)
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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
