Colorado scrambles to keep 988 suicide counselors for LGBTQ callers

Colorado is urgently seeking funding to sustain its 988 crisis line for LGBTQ callers after the Trump administration announced the service's termination on July 17. This mental health line is an essential resource, connecting individuals in crisis with trained professionals, and has become increasingly vital as usage rises. In 2024, the line recorded 36. 1 calls, texts, and chats per 1,000 people, positioning Colorado as the fourth most-utilized state for this service. To address past challenges in call response rates, a new law set to take effect on July 1 will merge the 988 line with Colorado Crisis Services, established after the 2013 Aurora theater shooting.

Gordon Coombes, the director of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, highlighted the organization's focus on outreach and education to raise awareness of available support. Dannette Smith, commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Agency, described the merger as a monumental step towards a more comprehensive and accessible behavioral health system. The initiative aims to improve response times and ensure that all Coloradans can access the care they need. This funding and merger effort reflects the state's commitment to supporting mental health resources, particularly for vulnerable communities.