Latest news with #988SuicideandCrisisLifeline
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
As 988 lifeline ends LGBTQ+ service, Ohio group warns of risks for youth
This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. More information about warning signs of suicide risk and treatment resources throughout Ohio are available here. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A leading central Ohio LGBTQ+ organization is sounding the alarm after the Trump administration eliminated specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The decision went into effect last week and removes the option for young people to 'Press 3' when calling 988, connecting them with counselors trained in LGBTQ+ issues. Amanda Erickson, senior associate director of programs and operations at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, condemned the move, citing the compounding impact of federal and state policies rolling back LGBTQ+ protections. Columbus City Council votes to create new LGBTQ+ affairs commission 'It's really awful that this is the direction that we're seeing some of our policies going federally and statewide,' Erickson said. 'The risk there is that, when a young person is calling this 988 hotline, knowing that it's an appropriate place for them to get support, they're not necessarily able to access the very tailored support that might help them if something about their identity is the core of an issue.' Launched alongside 988 in 2022, the 'Press 3' option was created given LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of depression and are more likely to attempt suicide, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. Further, research from The Trevor Project shows that nearly 40% of all LGBTQ+ youth have thought about or attempted suicide. Erickson said removal of Press 3 means callers may now be routed to someone lacking that understanding. 'They might reach a counselor or therapist that is not as up to date on LGBTQ+ issues as they could be,' Erickson said. 'They're losing that kind of tailored support.' Since the change, Kaleidoscope and other Ohio groups are working to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are still connected to care, Erickson said. She noted that TransOhio, a statewide trans-led organization, maintains an up-to-date list of support groups, and Kaleidoscope regularly includes crisis numbers in communications, on its website and social media. Ohio Attorney General: State will appeal school voucher ruling this week 'We have a plethora of resources in central Ohio and statewide that folks can still access,' she said. 'I think the complicated part is remembering that all of those exist, and finding out how to get in contact with them, because 988 was such a huge opportunity to have an easy number like 911 to be able to share with folks.' The elimination of Press 3 follows a wave of legislation deemed 'anti-LGBTQ+' in Ohio, from restrictions on certain healthcare for trans youth to limitations on how sexuality can be discussed in schools. Erickson also expressed concern about the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings, one that upheld another state's gender-affirming care ban and another that said parents can remove their students from school lessons with LGBTQ+ books. 'One of them essentially gave parents the right to remove their kids from classes and the other one removed a parent's right to access healthcare for their children,' said Erickson. 'When the legislature or the judicial system is using terms like 'parents' rights,' I think it's important for people to recognize which parents get those rights.' Ohio House overrides one budget veto, hoping to provide property tax relief The combination of eroded representation, disappearing services and targeted legislation leaves LGBTQ+ youth feeling increasingly isolated, Erickson said. Despite the setbacks, she said Kaleidoscope remains committed to helping youth find the care they need through local resources. 'We try to keep up to date resources on our website, knowing that we're only open a couple hours a day,' she said. 'Youth can find our social media or our website and access those national crisis numbers.' Kaleidoscope's drop-in center is open from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Learn more and view resources, including national crisis phone numbers, at Learn more about TransOhio and its list of emergency resources at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Photo allegedly shows Obama and Epstein drinking beers in Southeast Asia. You should have reservations
Claim: A photograph authentically shows former U.S. President Barack Obama drinking beer in Southeast Asia with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein. Rating: Context: The man in the photograph with Obama is late television host and chef Anthony Bourdain. In July 2025, a photograph circulated online purportedly showing former U.S. President Barack Obama drinking beer with disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The picture was allegedly taken in a Southeast Asian country, according to numerous posts. One X user's caption read: "It was buried by the press, but not only were Obama and Jeffrey Epstein friends, they traveled around Thailand together, in search of 'the perfect spring roll'." (X user @baltic_dan) However, the photo above does not show Obama drinking a beer with Epstein. The man drinking alongside the former president is the late chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain. As such, we have rated this picture as miscaptioned. The authentic photo was taken while Bourdain was interviewing Obama in a small restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam — not Thailand — for his show "Parts Unknown" in 2016 (archived). They had a dish called bún chả while drinking beer. During the interview, Obama spoke about his past experiences in Southeast Asia, parenthood and reaching across political divides. Bourdain died by suicide in 2018. On June 8 of that year, Obama posted the above photograph of the pair drinking beer in Hanoi with the caption: "'Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.' This is how I'll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We'll miss him." While Bourdain and Epstein may have had some facial similarities, it is clear that they are two different men and that Epstein was not pictured in the above photo alongside Obama. Snopes has investigated numerous claims regarding Bourdain and Obama. For example, we looked into whether the late chef said that people should have a drink with those they disagree with and whether the former president said that boys need gay mentors. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at to connect to a trained crisis counselor. "Barack Obama & Anthony Bourdain Have Dinner | Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown." YouTube, HBO Max, 25 Nov. 2023, Accessed 29 July 2025. 'Former Obama Adviser Ben Rhodes Remembers Anthony Bourdain'. Explore Parts Unknown, 25 Oct. 2018, ' X (Formerly Twitter), Accessed 29 Jul. 2025. Ibrahim, Nur. 'Anthony Bourdain Said "Have a Drink" With People You Wouldn't Agree With?' Snopes, 3 Jul. 2024, ---. 'Examining Claim Obama Said Boys Need Gay Mentors'. Snopes, 24 Jul. 2025, Instagram. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025. Severson, Kim. "The Last, Painful Days of Anthony Bourdain." The New York Times. 27 Sep. 2022. Available at: YouTube. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025. Solve the daily Crossword
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
California Schools to Change From August: What to Know
California schools are set to implement a number of changes in the upcoming school year starting August. Schools will be required to print suicide prevention resources on student identification cards, and start planning for the future of students with special needs as soon as they enter high school. Newsweek contacted California Governor Gavin Newsom's office and the California Department of Education for comment via email outside of regular working hours. The measures are part of a legislative agenda championed by Newsom to improve access to mental health services for students, and to support students with special needs. Under Senate Bill 1063, public or private schools that serve students in grades seven to 12 and issue identification cards will be required to print the number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on students' IDs. This is a change from a previous requirement to have the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline printed on ID cards, according to the bill. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's three-digit number, which launched in 2022, replaced the National Suicide Prevention Line's 10-digit number, even though that still remains active. The law also allows schools to print a QR code on ID cards linking to the mental health resources website of the county in which the school is located. Assembly Bill 438, which was approved last year, requires that individualized education programs, or IEPs, include measurable post-secondary goals and transition services for students with special needs from as early as when they start high school, if determined appropriate by the IEP team. The change will mean that planning for the student's post-secondary goals could begin up to two years earlier than previously, according to Newsom's office. California State Senator Shannon Grove, a Republican who authored Senate Bill 1063, said in a statement last year: "Updating student ID cards so children have immediate access to mental health resources is smart policy... I am thrilled that students across the state of California will now have essential mental health resources at their fingertips to combat their distress." The California Department of Education said in a statement in May: "As explained in AB 438, existing law requires IEPs to include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals and transition services, as defined, beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when a pupil is 16 years old, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, which are to be updated annually. "Beginning July 1, 2025, AB 438 requires an IEP to include measurable postsecondary goals and transition services, if determined appropriate by a pupil's IEP team, beginning when an individual with exceptional needs starts their high school experience and not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the pupil is 16 years of age." The two laws go into effect on July 1, 2025, and will impact students from the start of the school year beginning in August. Related Articles Map Shows US States With School Phone BansCalifornia Gas Prices to Go Up July 1: What to KnowGay California Lawmaker Blasts 'Inflammatory' Pride resolution 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Los Angeles Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Trump will end crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. But L.A. has options for those in need
A national hotline will no longer provide services specifically for LGBTQ+ youths in crisis. The Trump administration is ending that support next month. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has counselors for anyone in emotional distress or contemplating suicide but also has connected LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained counselors. Research has shown this population experiences significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation. But that specialized service will end July 17. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which funds the 988 hotline, said in a statement that callers would no longer have the option to 'press 3' for LGBTQ+-specific services. The agency said it would not 'silo LGB+ youth services' but rather focus on serving all who are seeking help. For members of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles, there are other options, with specifically trained mental health counselors. But advocates for the 988 service say its loss will leave a hole in crisis intervention. This is one more way that people are going to feel like they're not seen, aren't sure of where to reach out for help or don't feel safe enough to seek support, said Terra Russell-Slavin, chief impact officer with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. They noted that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announcement used the acronym 'LGB+.' Despite trans youth being a group vulnerable to suicidal ideation, they said, 'they literally ... removed the word 'trans' from the purpose of the hotline.' In less than 30 days, the program that 'has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people' nationwide will no longer be available for those who need it,' said Jaymes Black in a statement. Black is chief executive of the Trevor Project, which has been providing counseling targeted at LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 hotline since 2022. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible,' Black said. Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Chair Collective, said the Trevor Project has been a lifesaving resource for many queer youth, including some of the collective's clients. The group provides LGBTQ+ affirming counseling among other services and focuses on providing mental health support for Asian American and multicultural populations. 'Losing that federally funded support is incredibly concerning,' Yoon told The Times. 'These specialized services exist for a reason — they meet needs that general services often overlook or are unequipped to address.' Queer youth experience significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, experts say. More than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds, according to the Trevor Project. Yoon and her team see youths in crisis in their clinical work. 'Many of our LGBTQ+ youth clients come in with more complex, high-risk cases,' she said, 'especially when they come from unsupportive or unsafe family environments — which, unfortunately, still happens far too often.' More than 50 queer youths seek services from Yellow Chair Collective per year, and many are looking for support after a crisis or when they've struggled to access the care they need elsewhere. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was a resource that the collective made known to clients. Going forward, the group will refer them to the Trevor Project, which Yoon said would continue to offer crisis support independently, 24/7. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386. You can also text or chat. In 2022, about 17 years after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched with a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 988 began the pilot phase of its specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. At the time, the Trevor Project served as the sole provider of the services. Eventually it was one of seven centers providing help. Last year, according to the Trevor Project, its counselors helped an estimated 500,000 people — nearly half of whom came through the 988 hotline. At the local level, the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department offers a crisis helpline that's staffed 24/7 to connect residents with resources including mental health professionals with specific training and programs designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Yoon still fears the consequences of losing the 988 service for high-risk queer youth. Its help has been not only tailored but also prompt. 'We know in a crisis being able to respond within a timely manner is very important,' she said. As for Russell-Salvin, they worry about the moment of crisis, when the right contact can make all the difference. They fear that having to find a new, appropriate number to call could be one obstacle too many. 'All of those things are just going to create more barriers,' they said, 'and those barriers are part of what's contributing to the harm.' Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response: Through this program, you can access the county's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 to connect with culturally responsive services and resources, including mental health professionals specifically trained and programs that are specially designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Trevor Project: The project provides crisis services and peer support nationwide. You can access services by texting 'START' to 678-678, calling the hotline at (866)-488-7386 or by live chatting with a professional online. Trans Lifeline: The grassroots hotline and nonprofit organization offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. You can call the hotline, (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday for assistance between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific. There are certain holidays that the hotline is closed; a complete list can be found online. Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline: DEQH offers free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ South Asian individuals and families. You can get in touch with trained volunteers by filling out an online form or by calling (908) 367-3374 on Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Pacific. Los Angeles LGBT Center: At its 10 locations, the center offers housing, legal aid, healthcare and mental health services to youth and adults who identify as part of the queer and trans communities. A full list of services can be found online or by calling (323) 993-7400. APLAHealth: At eight locations in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the provider offers healthcare, mental health, food, housing and other support services to the LGBTQ+ community. You can make an appointment for a specific service online. Yellow Chair Collective: The team is trained in and practices culturally responsive, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and psychotherapy services. The practice specializes in serving Asian American and multicultural clients. You can learn more about their services or schedule an appointment online. Planned Parenthood: Participating locations provide mental and physical health resources for LGBTQ+ community members. Resources include support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21 and gender-affirming healthcare. You can view all services and make an appointment at a local healthcare facility online. CalHOPE: California offers online mental health support for youth and young adults through CalHOPE at (833) 317-4673; callers can also find guides to queer specific mental health services.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump administration to shutter specialized LGBTQ+ suicide lifeline option
A part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth — known as 988 option 3 — is being terminated under the Trump administration, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced. "On July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the 'Press 3 option,' to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option," a statement Tuesday from SAMHSA read. The agency said those who contact 988 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." It's unclear if staff for the specialized option 3 care line will be cut or moved to the general 988 line. CBS News has reached out to SAMHSA for more information. The nation's 988 hotline brings critical access to care for those battling mental health emergencies. Nationwide, calls increased 40% soon after the three-digit number was officially launched in 2022. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people, described the planned change as "devastating." "This means that, in 30 short days, this program that has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people will no longer be available for those who need it," Black said in a statement Wednesday. "Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible." The news comes in the middle of Pride Month, which Black called "callous." He also criticized "the administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement," saying, "Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased." Sen. Tammy Baldwin also condemned the agency's move as "cruelly and needlessly taking" away a crucial resource for LGBTQ+ people in crisis. "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," she said in a statement. Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, wrote the legislation that created the three-digit 988 hotline. The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees SAMHSA, has announced plans to reorganize and fold its functions into a new Administration for a Healthy America. SAMHSA has also lost staff to job cuts this year, including some who worked on the 988 hotline team. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here. The Trevor Project's trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at or by texting START to 678678. For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@ Teen questioned after family's quadruple murder Iranians evacuate capital Tehran, some say the regime is frightened Parents, brother of slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman speak about her death
