The Trump administration's proposed budget cuts threaten the specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides trained counselors who share similar life experiences. LGBTQ+ youth face a significantly higher risk of suicide, with recent data showing that 40% considered suicide last year. Access to specific support services through the lifeline has proven vital, receiving nearly 1.3 million contacts from LGBTQ+ individuals since its inception. Experts argue that removing these tailored resources could hinder the mental health assistance crucial for this vulnerable group.
What they get with that specialized services line is they get somebody who cares, somebody who's been there with them, who has shared experiences, who can understand where they're coming from, and who has been specially trained to address the situations that they are dealing with.
Just last year alone, approximately 40% of LGBTQ youth considered suicide, and for those looking for help, only about half could get the help they need.
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