White House proposes axing 988 suicide hotline services for LGBTQ youth

The Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed budget for 2026 eliminates specialized suicide hotline services for LGBTQ youth and young adults.

The budget proposal, which the department published Friday, designates $520 million for 988, the suicide prevention line, and behavioral health crisis services, which is the same amount the Biden administration provided for 988. However, the 2026 budget proposal would end government funding for LGBTQ-specific counseling to 988 callers upon request.