Federal shutdown of 988 LGBTQI+ subnetwork
On July 17, the Federal government closed the 988 Lifeline’s subnetwork for LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 13-24. The terminated line provided specialized assistance with mental health crises, substance use concerns, and access to resources for these at-risk youth.
This line received an average of 400 contacts per day. Washington state is working to continue quality care by training the crisis counselors for the main crisis line in the specialized support needed for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.