A leaked budget proposal has revealed that the U.S. government is considering eliminating the LGBTQ+ suicide hotline, a critical resource for those in crisis.
The hotline is part of the 988 National Suicide Hotline system, which connects callers with specialized counselors. According to data from the broadcast, the service has been contacted more than 1.2 million times since it began in 2022.
In February of this year alone, the service received more than 58,000 contacts – approximately 2,100 per day or 1.5 contacts every minute.
The Trump administration is considering slashing the program as part of a $40 billion budget cut to the Department of Health and Human Services. If approved by Congress, this crisis number could be defunded on October 1, when the new fiscal year begins.
“It’s another attack from the executive branch to a group that I feel is pretty uncontroversial,” said Matthew Danielson, Executive Director of Spokane Pride. “It makes zero sense.”
According to the Trevor Project, which is one of seven agencies that staff this 24/7 crisis line, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Their research indicates nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide within the last year.
Mark Henson, Director of federal advocacy at The Trevor Project, noted a significant spike in demand following recent events.
“The day after the election, Trevor Project, which also runs its own crisis lines, experienced a 700% surge in demand,” Henson said.
The potential elimination of this service comes despite bipartisan support to address this crisis. Advocates emphasize that the hotline has been a crucial resource for this population.
Henson is urging the Trump administration to reconsider its position on the proposed cuts.
“Keep doing this great successful program that has brought Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, in support of the health and success of every child in the United States, especially those who are at higher risk of suicide, like LGBTQ+ youth,” he said.
While the budget proposal is still preliminary, Congress ultimately has the final say on the federal budget.
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