988 hotline to end LGBTQ+ youth tailored option

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI, (KBSI) – Ap source’s say starting July 17, 2025, the federal 988 national suicide and crisis lifeline will no longer offer a press 3 option.

This follows the 2026 Trumps Budget Proposal that allows funding for the 988-crisis hotline but removes funding for the additional LGBTQ+ youth tailored option.

Jason Klaus is the Perry County Sheriff and a big supporter of the 988-crisis hotline.

According to AP sources after July 17 the press 3 option and text/chat pride will be discontinued, and all callers will connect through the general crisis hotline.  

“988 is going to change a little bit” says Klaus. “The 988 services are still going to be available for everyone to still call or text or chat with so that’s really great that that funding has not been lost.” 

According to documents Trumps 2026 budget proposal allows for $520 million for overall 988 funding but removes the $33 million dedicated to LGBTQ+ specific counseling. Some people agree with this while others say this option is still very much needed. 

“Those individuals that are operating the 988 hotlines they are highly trained and what they will do is if there is a specialty area someone who needs specialty care, they will help them with that crisis at that moment and then link them up with community resources for that next level of care.” 

Klaus says the hotline will still be there for anyone who needs it.

“We have been promoting 988 really since its inception a few years ago” says Klaus. “We believe in law enforcement our call volume for those in crisis has really increased. So by promoting it on our cars were trying to help spread the word for individuals who may be experiencing a crisis to call text or chat 988.” 

Anyon experiencing a crisis can call Get Help – 988 Lifeline.