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Supervisors direct county to seek ways to preserve LGBTQ+ 988 support after federal cuts
Summary
After the federal government announced it would remove the specialized "press 3" option for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 lifeline, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion directing county staff to report back on impacts and explore ways to preserve local linkages between 988 and LGBTQ‑specific counseling services.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 15 to ask county staff to analyze and mitigate the local effects of federal funding cuts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth.
The Trump administration announced it would remove the “press 3” option that previously routed callers who self‑identified as LGBTQ+ youth to specialized counselors. Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the motion with Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, described the action as “cruel” and urged immediate county action to fill gaps. The motion directs the CEO’s legislative affairs and the Department of Mental Health to report back in 15 days on likely local impacts, and it asks DMH to collaborate with Didi Hirsch (the county’s 988 contractor), Trevor Project and other stakeholders to develop protocols that allow 988 call takers to identify and transfer LGBTQ+ youth to specialized local providers.
Supporters from Didi Hirsch, the Trevor Project and local mental‑health and LGBTQ advocates told the board that LGBTQ+ young people are at higher risk for suicide and that the “press 3” option has been an important, culturally competent pathway for callers seeking specialized support. Marika Collins of Didi Hirsch described the center’s work and urged county leadership to explore alternatives so specialized support remains available. Trevor Project and other advocates reported uptake figures and cited research that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
Supervisors asked departments to look at screening and transfer protocols, potential county funding to maintain specialized local services, and other operational options. The board also requested a 15‑day initial impact analysis and called for broader departmental coordination to protect teens and young adults who may be discouraged from calling if a specialized option disappears.
Ending note: The board emphasized the urgency of the matter and promised follow‑up; supervisors and mental‑health providers said they would work to preserve specialized LGBTQ+ crisis support while the administration’s federal decision is pending review and potential legislative remedy.
