Latest news with #TrevorProject
CBS News
7 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
LGBTQ community concerned after lifeline for struggling youth is dropped due to federal budget cuts
A lifeline for struggling LGBTQ youth has officially been terminated as a result of federal budget cuts. The service has helped over a million young people to date, and now the community is concerned about how to fill the gap. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dropped the specialized option for LGBTQ+ youth, known as the "Press 3" option. "I don't agree with it. I think that cutting funding for something that was an outlet to LGBT people was, I mean, that's kind of wacko," said Christian Carter. Many in the LGBT community are concerned about how this could impact young people. "It's a social lifeline to a lot of people, especially kids who are confused about, you know, their sexuality or where their lives are going. It's terrible. I think it's going to kill people," Erich said. Multiple studies show LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to harm themselves. "Suicide risk among LGBT young people is very high; more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people in America seriously consider suicide every year, every 45 seconds," said Jackson Budinger with the Trevor Project. LGBT calls would be sent to them and six other groups. In just three years, the "Press 3" option has helped 1.5 million LGBT+ youth, according to the Trevor Project. Budinger said they offer specialized help. "LGBTQ young people in crisis may be experiencing very unique things, like navigating the coming out process, accessing, you know, certain types of health care, being bullied or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or being rejected from their family, experiencing homelessness," she said. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs 988. In a statement, it said their goal is "… to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option." It went on to say, "Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors." If you need help, you're encouraged to call for help, which includes calling 988. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386 or by texting 678678. The Pride Center also recommends the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward BIG PRIDE LGBTQ+ mentoring program (funded by Our Fund : (954) 584-9990. The National Runaway Safeline, a nonprofit established in 1971, offers support to youth and teens in Broward County and all over the country who are in crisis. Their website has resources for youth and teens, as well as for concerned adults and service providers. The homepage offers several ways to tap to connect (auto dial phone, live chat, email, join a forum, or send a text message). Learn more about the NRS 1-800-Runaway Safe Line. Samantha tested this line and resource and found:
Yahoo
7 days ago
- 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.
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.
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Daily Briefing: Birthday card blow-up
Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. The internet is determined to find the Coldplay concert "cheaters." Trump denies report he wrote Epstein lewd 50th birthday letter President Donald Trump denied on social media a report in the Wall Street Journal that claims he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Epstein for Epstein's 50th birthday. Shortly afterward, Trump announced in another social media post that he is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce more Epstein documents amid public clamor for the records. How we got here: Controversy around the Trump administration's handling of records involving the convicted sex offender is reaching a fever pitch. The administration's attempt to close the book on Epstein has enflamed parts of the MAGA base, who have speculated about a potential Epstein "client list" that the government is shielding from public view. Keep reading: How do American voters feel about Trump team's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case? What is chronic venous insufficiency? President Trump underwent medical tests and an ultrasound to examine swelling in his legs and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the most common vascular disease in the U.S., according to medical experts. Known as CVI the condition occurs when the leg veins become damaged and don't work as they should. Veins work against gravity to push used blood out of the legs through muscle contractions. When these veins don't work, typically due to damaged valves, it can cause blood to pool in the legs and lead to symptoms like swelling and ulcers. What causes chronic venous insufficiency? More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Public broadcasting, foreign aid cuts clear final hurdle President Trump's push for $9 billion in spending cuts — slicing into public broadcasting stations PBS and NPR, as well as the United States' foreign aid efforts — crossed the Congressional finish line just after midnight July 18. The House approved the measure in a 216-213 party line vote. Around $1 million will be taken from public broadcasting, including PBS and NPR. Local stations, which are much more reliant on federal grants than their national counterparts, are expected to bear the brunt of that lost funding. The measure now heads to the president's desk for signature into law. An LGBTQ+ suicide lifeline ends ~ Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, on the termination of specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The program faced shutdown Thursday as part of federal budget cuts that include an overhaul of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The LGBTQ+-focused 988 lifeline program, which marked its third anniversary on July 16, has served an estimated 1.5 million young people since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Today's talkers Which of the Fisher boys will Belly choose?!? The internet's favorite love triangle is back. We're pining over Season 3 of Amazon Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty," which headlines new TV series and specials that will stream this weekend. If wistful seaside romance isn't your thing, you can hop aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise to explore with Season 3 of Paramount+'s "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" or head on over to Yosemite National Park for a romp with nature with Netflix's "Untamed." Or sing to your screen while watching "Billy Joel: And So it Goes," a two-part documentary on HBO Max that takes a look at the long life and career of the "Piano Man" himself. Maybe you'll find your new obsession. Photo of the day: A beautiful backdrop for golf The Open Championship's opener completed with five different golfers tied for first place at the Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The golfers will have a chance to create some distance from the rest of the pack when the second round begins Friday morning. Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Birthday card blow-up
Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. The internet is determined to find the Coldplay concert "cheaters." Trump denies report he wrote Epstein lewd 50th birthday letter President Donald Trump denied on social media a report in the Wall Street Journal that claims he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Epstein for Epstein's 50th birthday. Shortly afterward, Trump announced in another social media post that he is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce more Epstein documents amid public clamor for the records. How we got here: Controversy around the Trump administration's handling of records involving the convicted sex offender is reaching a fever pitch. The administration's attempt to close the book on Epstein has enflamed parts of the MAGA base, who have speculated about a potential Epstein "client list" that the government is shielding from public view. Keep reading: How do American voters feel about Trump team's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case? What is chronic venous insufficiency? President Trump underwent medical tests and an ultrasound to examine swelling in his legs and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the most common vascular disease in the U.S., according to medical experts. Known as CVI the condition occurs when the leg veins become damaged and don't work as they should. Veins work against gravity to push used blood out of the legs through muscle contractions. When these veins don't work, typically due to damaged valves, it can cause blood to pool in the legs and lead to symptoms like swelling and ulcers. What causes chronic venous insufficiency? More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Public broadcasting, foreign aid cuts clear final hurdle President Trump's push for $9 billion in spending cuts — slicing into public broadcasting stations PBS and NPR, as well as the United States' foreign aid efforts — crossed the Congressional finish line just after midnight July 18. The House approved the measure in a 216-213 party line vote. Around $1 million will be taken from public broadcasting, including PBS and NPR. Local stations, which are much more reliant on federal grants than their national counterparts, are expected to bear the brunt of that lost funding. The measure now heads to the president's desk for signature into law. An LGBTQ+ suicide lifeline ends ~ Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, on the termination of specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The program faced shutdown Thursday as part of federal budget cuts that include an overhaul of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The LGBTQ+-focused 988 lifeline program, which marked its third anniversary on July 16, has served an estimated 1.5 million young people since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Today's talkers Which of the Fisher boys will Belly choose?!? The internet's favorite love triangle is back. We're pining over Season 3 of Amazon Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty," which headlines new TV series and specials that will stream this weekend. If wistful seaside romance isn't your thing, you can hop aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise to explore with Season 3 of Paramount+'s "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" or head on over to Yosemite National Park for a romp with nature with Netflix's "Untamed." Or sing to your screen while watching "Billy Joel: And So it Goes," a two-part documentary on HBO Max that takes a look at the long life and career of the "Piano Man" himself. Maybe you'll find your new obsession. Photo of the day: A beautiful backdrop for golf The Open Championship's opener completed with five different golfers tied for first place at the Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The golfers will have a chance to create some distance from the rest of the pack when the second round begins Friday morning. Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@
