The Donald Trump Administration budget plan includes plans to cancel the 988 suicide hotline established in July 2022 as an alternative option to calling 911 for those experiencing a mental health crises.
While the hotline has been available to any caller needing it, counselors are specifically trained to support LGBTQ+ callers, connecting them with local counselors, who can help them find resources within their area.
Counselors also follow up with callers.
Since its introduction the national hotline has received nearly 15 million contacts including phone calls, texts and chats.
The planned cut, under the the Health and Human Services department, would take effect in October.
Richard Gelm, professor of political science, noted the draft recommendation, though troubling, is not yet “in stone.”
“It …goes to Congress, and Congress can accept, reject, whatever. So it’s kind of like the first bid,” Gelm said. “So this is kind of his wish list.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for the LGBTQ+ Community.
“Hotlines are useful because they’re available in the immediacy,” said Amy Demyan, professor of psychology. “They can help you manage a crisis when you’re having it at that moment.”
For marginalized communities, hotlines may be all they have, Demyan said.
“A mental health crisis, really at its core, is a life-or-limb threatening experience where the person might harm themselves or others,” Demyan said.
If you are in need of mental health support, call the University’s Counseling and Psychological Service at 909-448-4105. CAPS summer hours and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are in crisis, call 988 or 911.
—Karina Rodriguez
Karina Rodriguez is a senior journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and editor-in-chief of the Campus Times. She has previously served as sports editor, social media editor, arts editor and a staff writer.
