On September 30, the “press 3” option of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was restored. This option, which provides specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth, was eliminated in July 2025.
Suicide is an urgent public health crisis with almost 50,000 deaths by suicide in 2023—that is one death every 11 minutes. This crisis is even more acute among veterans, individuals and families in rural America, and LGBTQ+ youth. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peersopens in new window. In the 4 years since 988 was launched in 2022, more than 30.5 million contacts to 988 have been routed. As a result of the 988 line and other mental health supports, youth suicide rates have dropped 11% below projectionsopens in new window, according to a recent JAMA study.
APA Services recognizes that this restoration of the press 3 option, including the introduction of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act (S.2826opens in new window/H.R.5434opens in new window). would not be possible without the invaluable support of our bipartisan Hill champions.
As the youth mental health crisis continues to impact the nation, it is essential that Congress continue to protect and strengthen the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and avoid any future disruptions to this vital service.
For more information, email Julio C Abreu.