Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
This bill requires the federal government to keep running a specialized service within the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline that helps LGBTQ+ young people in crisis. It sets aside at least 9 percent of the hotline's funding specifically for that service. If this passes, LGBTQ+ youth would have a guaranteed, dedicated option when they call, text, or chat with the 988 hotline.
LGBTQ+ youth attempt suicide at significantly higher rates than their peers, and a specialized crisis service handling over 2,200 contacts daily could lose funding without legal protection. This bill would guarantee that service stays available by law, not just by administrative choice.