Washington (Nexstar) -The LGBTQ+ section of the Lifeline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was closed on Thursday after a guideline of the Trump administration, the non -partisan criticism of legislators and lawyers for mental health that warn the Move -Endanger life.
The Specialized LGBTQ+ line introduced in 2022 offered targeted support for individuals in the crisis and had used more than 1.2 million calls, texts and chats since their debut.
“There are more than a million of these moments when 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 was very successful,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (DN.Y.). “And President Trump has decided to put politics from being rescued from life.”
According to the Trevor project, around 40% of the LGBTQ youth seriously looked at suicide last year. Those who have access to mental health services such as the 988 line was much less likely to try them.
Even some Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Lawler (Rn.Y.), call on the Ministry of Health and Human Services to restore the LGBTQ+ line.
“For me, it’s about saving life,” said Lawler. “It’s about preventing suicide. And it is something that we should all unite.”
The legislator says that switching off not only eliminates the support of critical support for mental health, but also sends a harmful message to endangered communities.
“Regardless of whether you are part of the LGBTQ community, whether someone in your family or you have friends, each one of us should be worried,” said Davids.
The legislator sent a letter in which HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was asked to reverse the shutdown immediately. The agency has now not announced any changes.
