Target: Russell Vought, Director of U.S. Office of Management and Budget
Goal: Maintain full funding for LGBTQ+ youth services of mental health crisis hotline.
Every 11 minutes in America, a person commits suicide, leaving behind devastation and lingering questions. Hotlines can be literal lifelines that prevent distressed Americans from making a desperate decision that can never be taken back. But for one of the most vulnerable populations in the nation – a population in which 40 percent of its members have reportedly considered suicide – this lifeline may be callously ripped away courtesy of the federal government.
Among all youth, suicide is the second leading cause of death. LGBTQ+ youth – who are subject to increased stigmatization, even from elected leaders – are more than four times as likely as other minors to attempt suicide. Research suggests that a young person within this community attempts suicide every 45 seconds. The 988 mental health hotline, which was launched in 2022, has employed individuals with specialized training and experience in helping this population and other marginalized communities. Since the hotline’s inception, well over one million LGBTQ+ youth – nearly the number estimated to attempt suicide in a year’s span – have contacted this hotline.
According to a preliminary proposal reportedly outlining “the health and social services priorities of President Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget,” the budget for the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline “eliminates the 2024 Congressionally-directed set-aside within the 988 for Specialized Services for LGBTQ+ Youth.” In other words, tens of millions of dollars already allocated to help save the lives of hurting kids would be eradicated. Mental health services have already seen significant cuts under this administration, and this latest proposal, if enacted, will endanger more lives.
Sign the petition below to demand the administration re-evaluate where its priorities stand.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Vought,
Mental health is often emphasized when tragedies occur, but where is the support on the ground when it truly matters? The president’s first administration supported the launch of a nationwide mental health hotline. Yet now comes word that this office wants to eliminate a key service of the 988 Lifeline – a service that has helped over a million struggling youth – because it does not fit “priorities.”
What, precisely, takes higher priority than preventing a population of young people who attempt suicide at the rate of one a minute from taking their own lives? LGBTQ+ youth already have enough difficulties, many of which are exacerbated and exploited by people in positions of power. Do not take away their lifeline. Be a part of the solution, not the problem that could put countless preventable deaths in your hands.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: El Jusuf
