Press Release: Concerns Rise Over Funding Cuts to LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Services
In a troubling turn of events, potential funding cuts to specialized mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth have surfaced, following a leaked budget proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This development threatens resources that are crucial for a demographic that faces heightened risks of suicide. Late Senator Orrin Hatch’s initial push for the creation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline emphasized the urgent need for targeted support, particularly after noting the alarming rate of suicides among LGBTQ+ teens in Utah.
State Senator Daniel Thatcher, who was instrumental in the advocacy for the 988 line, criticized the proposed defunding, likening it to lacking essential medical services. Thatcher, who left the Republican Party to join the Forward Party recently, expressed deep concerns about the implications of such cuts, emphasizing that while all individuals can access the 988 line, tailored services specific to LGBTQ+ youth could be severely diminished.
Despite these threats, Rep. Steve Eliason reassured that the 988 line itself will remain operational. However, he acknowledged the necessity of refining the service to better address varying demographic needs. Currently, LGBTQ+ youth have a distinct menu option when calling the crisis line, which some lawmakers argue may not be replicable under the new proposal.
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group in Utah voiced alarm over these potential cuts, urging that mental health resources should transcend political divides. Recent surveys highlight the tragic reality faced by LGBTQ+ youth, with one in four gay and lesbian students reporting suicide attempts in the past year—three times the rate of their peers. As these discussions unfold, the community calls for continued advocacy and funding to safeguard vulnerable lives.
For immediate support, individuals can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or reach The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 for LGBTQ+ specific support.
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