HHS shuts down the 988 lifeline option for LGBTQ youth

The Department of Health and Human Services eliminated the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth option from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on June 25, 2025, citing agency restructuring under RFK Jr. The specialized line had connected LGBTQ youth to counselors trained in their specific mental health needs and had handled over one million contacts since its 2022 launch. HHS said general 988 counselors would handle all calls, which advocates warned would deter LGBTQ youth from calling.