California LGBTQ youth lose suicide hotline support

California LGBTQ+ youth will lose access to the Trevor Project's specialized suicide hotline starting July 17 due to a lack of funding from Congress. The decision comes at a time when mental health barriers for this demographic are already significant, with 35% of LGBTQ+ young people in California having seriously considered suicide in the past year. Lance Toma, CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center, expressed that this loss is "devastating" and "intentionally cruel," especially during Pride month. Despite the hotline's closure, Toma's organization will maintain critical support services, including gender-affirming medical care and mental health resources, through their TransThrive clinic. California's 988 crisis hotline usage ranks 21st in the nation, with a rate of 25.

5 contacts per 1,000 people last year, above the national average of 23. 7. Alaska and Vermont reported the highest contact rates, while Delaware and Alabama had the lowest. As some providers reduce services for LGBTQ+ youth, the need for comprehensive support remains urgent. The state must address these gaps to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable populations.