MADISON (WKOW) — Wednesday marked the third anniversary of the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a nationwide resource that has helped countless Americans access life-saving mental health support.
But as the milestone is being recognized, another part of the service is set to be eliminated.
“To cut off a lifeline, a suicide prevention mental health crisis special service for that population, is downright cruel,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
The Trump administration plans to end specialized support on the 988 hotline for LGBTQ+ youth—a group Baldwin says is disproportionately vulnerable to suicide.
Currently, LGBTQ+ callers can connect with counselors trained to understand the unique challenges they face. That option, however, is scheduled to disappear in less than 24 hours.
Baldwin said this change could have serious consequences.
“The administration has had relentless attacks against the LGBTQ community in all sorts of different ways,” Baldwin said, referring to what she describes as targeted efforts to roll back LGBTQ+ protections.
She said she will fight to reinstate the specialized services. In the meantime, Baldwin is urging anyone in crisis or considering suicide to call the 988 Lifeline, which remains available to all.