The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is exploring ways to maintain the LGBTQ+ suicide prevention counseling after the federal government slashed funds for the program.
A motion by LA County supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath is scheduled to be discussed during the board’s weekly meeting Tuesday. The supervisors will discuss the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s announcement last month that funding for the specialized LGBTQ+ service would end on July 17.
“This cut in funding is devastating to a population that is especially vulnerable,” Hahn said in the motion. “LA County needs to fully understand the impact of this Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s announcement and find a way to continue providing specialty services for LGBTQ+ youth through 988.”
The motion also would call for county staff to report back in two weeks on the impact of the funding cut and explore ways of continuing the service locally.
“Having a specific option for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis to receive specialized services through 988 is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential for preserving lives,” Hahn said.
Since 2022, a national suicide-prevention hotline has been accessible by since dialing 988.
“LGBTQ+ youth experience a higher risk of suicidality, not because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized by others. In fact, LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers,” Hahn said.
The following year, an option was added to the hotline to provide specialized counseling to LGBTQ+ youth, who could press 3 on their phones to access the service provided locally by The Trevor Project, a nonprofit based in West Hollywood.
Hahn and Horvath advocated to keep Push 3 and maintain the connection between 988 and LGBTQ+ crisis counseling. Following that, Dr Lisa Wong expects continued support for Didi Hirsch and The Trevor Project.
“A lot of the vulnerable population of our LGBTQ youth, again, they might be in a situation where it’s easier to press 3 than actually declare something publicly,” Hahn said, worried about who may hang up after not having the option to press 3.
“What will be difficult is following up when we don’t know who these people are.” Hahn added.
The use of the LGBTQ+ support line has spiked over the past year due to federal administration policies targeting the community, according to Horvath.
“This horrific, immoral decision by the administration makes the county’s commitment to supporting our youth, especially our LGBTQ+ youth more critical than ever.” Horvath said during the meeting.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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