Latest news with #988
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
California steps in to support LGBTQ+ youth after federal lifeline cutback
(FOX 5/KUSI) — As the Trump administration eliminates a specialized LGBTQ+ support option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, California is stepping up to ensure vulnerable youth are not left behind. Starting July 17, LGBTQ+ youth across the U.S. will no longer be able to press '3' on the 988 Lifeline to be routed to LGBTQ+-specific counselors—a service that has supported over 1.5 million calls since its launch in 2022. But state leaders in California say the Golden State won't let those young people go unheard. Governor Gavin Newsom, in partnership with the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and national suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project, announced on Wednesday a new effort to bolster 988 support services for LGBTQ+ callers. The initiative will include enhanced training for crisis counselors across California's 988 call centers to ensure competent and inclusive care. 'While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the gay community: we see you and we're here for you,' Newsom said in a statement. 'We're proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.' Newsom responds after court blocks indiscriminate immigration stops in California State officials say the change reflects California's broader investment in youth mental health, including programs under the state's Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). These efforts have funded LGBTQ+-specific mental health programs, expanded community spaces, and launched anti-stigma campaigns aimed at youth. Kim Johnson, Secretary of CalHHS, emphasized the urgency of the work, stating, 'To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action.' First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom was more pointed in her criticism of the federal move. 'There could not be a more stark reminder of the moral bankruptcy of this administration than cutting off suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ youth,' she said. 'These are young people reaching out in their time of deepest crisis —and I'm proud of California's work to partner with the Trevor Project to creatively address this need.' Where to get help While the federal 'Press 3' LGBTQ+ support option will disappear from the national 988 hotline on July 17, California residents can still access trained LGBTQ+-affirming crisis counselors through state-supported 988 call centers or by contacting The Trevor Project directly Here are ways to get help: Call, text, or chat 988 at any time for 24/7 support. Text PRIDE or call 1‑866‑488‑7386 to reach The Trevor Project's crisis counselors. Visit for free non-crisis support and peer counseling. Why it matters LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, according to national data. Without access to affirming services, those risks are expected to increase. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNN
18-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Trump admin shuts down a suicide and crisis helpline for LGBTQ+ youth
Trump admin shuts down a suicide and crisis helpline for LGBTQ+ youth The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth have officially ended operations, meaning people contacting 988 for help no longer have the option to 'press 3' to reach counselors specifically trained to respond to the needs of this group. 01:11 - Source: CNN Ex-prosecutor explains what Epstein docs could get released President Donald Trump has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal pertinent testimony related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, as he appeared to bow to pressure to release more material on the case. CNN's Elie Honig explains what documents could get released. 01:20 - Source: CNN Cardiologist reacts to Trump's diagnosis CNN medical analyst and cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner breaks down President Donald Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis. 01:12 - Source: CNN Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency President Donald Trump was examined for swelling in his legs and has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced. 01:21 - Source: CNN Five charged in connection with UC Berkeley professor's death in Greece Five people, including the former spouse of UC Berkley Professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski, have been charged in connection with his death. CNN has learned from a police source that the current partner of the professor's ex-wife has confessed to the killing. Three others have also been charged as accomplices, police say. 01:50 - Source: CNN Democrats walk out before vote for controversial Trump nominee Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans voted on Thursday to advance the nomination of Emil Bove, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, to a federal judgeship, over the loud protests of Democrats. 01:42 - Source: CNN CNN visits boys camp devastated by Texas floods Camp La Junta is an all-boys camp in Texas that was devastated by flooding on July 4th. The owners gave CNN rare access to see the damage after the storm. 01:53 - Source: CNN Trump DOJ fires federal prosecutor in Epstein case Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor in the case against accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, has been fired from her job in the Southern District of New York, according to people familiar with the situation. 01:56 - Source: CNN Brazil's Lula tells Christiane Amanpour: Trump 'Was not elected to be emperor of the world' Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva tells CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an exclusive interview it was 'a surprise' to see President Donald Trump's letter posted to Truth Social, threatening Brazil with a crippling tariff of 50% starting August 1st. Lula says that he initially thought the letter was 'fake news.' Watch the full 'Amanpour' interview on CNN. 01:33 - Source: CNN Gaza's only Catholic church hit by Israeli strike Gaza's only Catholic church was struck by an Israeli tank, killing three and injuring many more, church officials said. It became internationally recognized after reports emerged that the late Pope Francis used to call the church daily. CNN's Nada Bashir reports 00:53 - Source: CNN Taiwan conducts 10-day military drill The Taiwanese government is preparing for a war they hope will never happen. For the first time this year, Taiwan combined two major civil defense exercises, with the drills lasting ten days. These drills have included urban combat, mass casualty simulations, emergency supply drops and cyber defense that could be enacted if an invasion was to occur. CNN's Senior International Correspondent, Will Ripley, reports. 01:44 - Source: CNN Lightning bolt strikes near delivery man Video shows a lightning strike nearly hitting a delivery man in Wayne, New Jersey, as storms took place across the Mid-Atlantic. 00:36 - Source: CNN Trump ramping up pressure on Fed chair The White House pressure campaign for the Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jay Powell, to lower interest rates escalated sharply Wednesday morning. CNN's Phil Mattingly breaks down Trump's strategy and how markets are responding. 02:54 - Source: CNN Hikers confront man allegedly setting a tree on fire in LA Video shows a tense moment where hikers confronted a man for allegedly starting a fire near Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles on Sunday and prevented him from leaving the scene. Andrew Ocalliham was arrested and charged with one count of arson of forest land, court records show. 01:23 - Source: CNN Massive fire destroys Tomorrowland's main stage Tomorrowland's main stage went up in flames just days ahead of the festival's opening in Boom, Belgium. 00:38 - Source: CNN The Obamas address divorce rumors on Michelle's podcast Former President Barack Obama joined his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, on her latest podcast episode with her brother Craig Robinson to address divorce rumors. In recent months, speculation about their marriage has run rampant after several public appearances where Michelle Obama did not join her husband, including at President Donald Trump's inauguration in January. 01:52 - Source: CNN How Trump's image is changing inside Russia Once hailed as a pro-Kremlin figure, President Donald Trump's image is changing inside Russia. It comes after Trump vowed further sanctions on the country if a peace agreement with Ukraine is not reached in 50 days. CNN's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent is on the ground in Moscow with the analysis. 01:41 - Source: CNN Syrian anchor takes cover from airstrike live on TV An airstrike on the Syrian Ministry of Defense was captured live on Syria TV, forcing the anchor to take cover. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on Syria as part of its commitment to protect the Druze, an Arab minority at the center of clashes with government loyalists. 00:30 - Source: CNN Trump says interest in Epstein files is 'pretty boring stuff' President Donald Trump said he doesn't understand his supporters' continued interest in the Epstein files, calling it "boring," while also reiterating his call for anything 'credible' to be released. 00:56 - Source: CNN
The Hill
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
LGBTQ+ mental health hotline shuts down
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The LGBTQ-specific part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline shut down Thursday following a directive from the Trump administration, drawing bipartisan criticism from lawmakers and mental health advocates who warn the move endangers lives. The specialized LGBTQ+ line, launched in 2022, offered targeted support for individuals in crisis and had fielded more than 1.2 million calls, texts, and chats since its debut. 'There's more than a million of those moments where someone thought it would be better if they weren't here, and they had someone to call,' said Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.). The Trump administration eliminated resources for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including this crisis line. 'It's been very successful,' said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.). 'And President Trump has determined to put politics ahead of care, ahead of saving lives.' According to the Trevor Project, about 40 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. Those with access to affirming mental health services like the 988 line were significantly less likely to attempt it. Even some Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Lawler (N.Y.), are urging the Department of Health and Human Services to restore the LGBTQ+ line. 'To me, this is about saving lives,' said Lawler. 'It is about preventing suicide. And it's something all of us as Americans should be unified on.' Lawmakers say the shutdown not only strips away critical mental health support but also sends a harmful message to vulnerable communities. 'Whether you are part of the LGBTQ community, whether someone in your family is or you have friends that are, every single one of us should be concerned about that,' Davids said. Lawmakers have sent a letter urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately reverse the shutdown. As of now, the agency has not announced any changes.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MAGA move: Trump admin axes LGBTQ youth suicide hotline; critics warn ‘kids will die'
(Photo: AP) The Trump administration has stopped a special phone service that helped LGBTQ kids and young adults with mental health problems. This move has upset many people, including Democrats, doctors, and LGBTQ rights groups. This service was part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It let callers under 25 talk to trained counsellors who understand LGBTQ issues. NBC News reported that the government shut it down. The service started in October 2022. It was known as the 'Press 3' option. People could press 3 or text the word 'PRIDE' to speak to someone who could really understand them. Since it began, nearly 1.5 million people have used it. The government agency SAMHSA said last month it would no longer keep this special line just for LGBTQ kids. They said they want to help all callers in the same way. Jaymes Black, the head of The Trevor Project, which helped run the service, said stopping it was 'unfathomable.' He told NBC: 'This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people's lives. Sadly, more children are going to die in America because of this cut.' People from both political parties were upset. Democrat Rep. Seth Moulton said on MSNBC: 'Kids are going to die. This is actually the kind of thing Republicans should care about if they really care about American kids.' He also said: 'As a veteran, I know how much it means to my fellow veterans to be able to push a button when they call 988 and get connected directly to a veterans crisis counsellor. Well, LGBTQ kids need that, too.' Republican Mike Lawler agreed. At a press event, he said, 'Cutting a programme that is working, that is meeting a real and growing need, just does not make sense.' SAMHSA explained that the LGBTQ youth service had no more funding from Congress. They said if they kept it, they would have to remove help from other parts of the 988 hotline. The veterans' option to press 1 is still available. California governor Gavin Newsom reacted quickly. He said California will now work with The Trevor Project to train 988 crisis workers to understand LGBTQ youth better. He said, 'While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: we see you and we're here for you.' If LGBTQ youth need help, they can still contact The Trevor Project.
NBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Trump administration shuts down LGBTQ youth suicide hotline
The Trump administration on Thursday afternoon officially terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ Youth Specialized Services program, which gave callers under age 25 the option to speak with LGBTQ-trained counselors. The announcement that the specialized service would be shuttered was made last month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The agency said it would 'no longer silo LGB+ youth services' — notably removing the 'T' representing the transgender community — and would instead 'focus on serving all help seekers.' 'Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help,' the agency stated at the time. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July 2022, two years after President Donald Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, making 988 the universal number for the national suicide prevention line. The bipartisan legislation noted that LGBTQ youths 'are more than 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide than their peers and stated that SAMHSA 'must be equipped to provide specialized resources' to high-risk populations, including LGBTQ youths. The specialized LGBTQ hotline was rolled out in October 2022, initially as a pilot program, receiving between $29.7 million and $33 million annually, according to SAMHSA. Also known as the 'Press 3 option,' the program gave 988 callers the option to 'press 3' to connect with a counselor trained to assist lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youths and young adults (they could also text 988 with the word 'PRIDE'). Nearly 1.5 million contacts were routed to the LGBTQ service since its launch, according to data available on the SAMHSA website. The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization, was initially the sole provider of the specialized service, but eventually seven providers were part of 988's LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork. Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, called the termination of the service 'unfathomable.' 'This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people's lives,' Black said in a statement. 'The 988 Lifeline's Specialized Services Program was created to serve Americans at highest risk for suicide — including veterans and LGBTQ+ youth — with best-practice crisis care that meets these populations' unique needs.' The option for 988 callers to press 1 if they are veterans or service members seeking specialized services will remain in operation. 'Sadly, more children are going to die in America because of this cut.' Rep. seth moulton, d-mass. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who co-sponsored the legislation that paved the way for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, spoke about the termination of the LGBTQ youth service in an interview with MSNBC on Wednesday. 'Kids are going to die,' Moulton said when asked about the termination's effects. 'This is actually the kind of thing Republicans should care about if they really care about American kids, because an extraordinary percentage of the people who call this lifeline in a moment of crisis say that it saved their lives.' 'As a veteran, I know how much it means to my fellow veterans to be able to push a button when they call 988 and get connected directly to a veterans crisis counselor — someone who's trained to deal with veterans. Well, LGBTQ kids need that, too,' he added. 'Sadly, more children are going to die in America because of this cut.' It wasn't just Democrats who criticized the decision to shutter 988's LGBTQ youth service. At a press conference outside the Capitol on Thursday, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., joined several of his colleagues from across the aisle to speak out against the program's termination. 'This lifeline has provided help — it has connected young people with trained professionals who understand what they are going through, and in many cases, it has saved lives,' Lawler said. 'Cutting a program that is working, that is meeting a real and growing need, just does not make sense.' When asked for comment about the termination of the LGBTQ service and critics' claims, a SAMHSA spokesperson pointed NBC News to the agency's June statement announcing the service's forthcoming termination. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, of which SAMHSA is a part, said the Press 3 option had run out of congressionally directed funding and added that continued operation of the specialized service would have required reallocating funds away from the main 988 Lifeline, possibly resulting in massive reductions in service. While 988 has discontinued its LGBTQ youth service, LGBTQ youths and young adults seeking specialized crisis intervention and suicide prevention help can still contact the Trevor Project for such services by calling 1-866-488-7386, texting START to 678678 or visiting Some states are also planning to help fill the gap left by the termination of 988's specialized service for LGBTQ youth. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state's Health and Human Services Agency would partner with the Trevor Project to provide the state's 988 crisis counselors with enhanced competency training in addition to the training they already receive. 'While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: we see you and we're here for you,' Newsom said in a statement. 'We're proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.'
