3. SAMHSA to End “Press 3 Option” for LGBTQ+ Youth on Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Beginning July 17, the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will discontinue its specialized support option for LGBTQ+ youth, known as the “Press 3 option.” Launched as a pilot in fiscal year (FY) 2022, the program received $33 million in funding in FY 2024. According to a statement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), all callers will continue to have access to trained crisis counselors, but the dedicated LGBTQ+ line will no longer be available. Since its launch, the Press 3 option has served more than 1.2 million individuals. In Kansas, local 988 providers such as the Johnson County Mental Health Center have reaffirmed that their trained crisis counselors remain available around the clock and are equipped to address the needs of diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with someone at 988lifeline.org.
🔗 Read more from SAMHSA: SAMHSA Statement on 988 Press 3 Option
🔗 Read more from SAMHSA: Lifeline Performance Metrics
🔗 Read more from KCTV 5: Local resources remain after the discontinuation of a LGBTQ+ help line option