RI’s 988 Suicide and Lifeline services will continue full operations when the federal government removes the “Press 3” Option. The option connects LGBTQI+ youth under 25 with affirming crisis counselors through The Trevor Project and six other contact centers with specialists. The federal government plans to eliminate this option nationally on July 17, 2025. The plan was announced by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in June, claiming that they ran out of congressionally directed funding and now plan to focus on serving all health seekers.
According to a 2024 national survey, 40% of LGBTQIA+ youth have seriously considered suicide. Since its introduction in 2022, the “Press 3” Option has provided services for 1.3 million LGBTQIA+ young people and saw a 40% per year increase in nationwide calls. Advocates worry about the damage the removal of this service would do to those young people facing potentially life-altering moments. “We want to affirm that RI’s 988 services remain fully operational, locally connected, and available to all individuals, including LGBTQIA+ youth and adults,” Horizon Healthcare Providers stated in a press release.
The statement debunks the myth that Canada has launched a suicide crisis line for American LGBTQI+. The statement urges Rhode Islanders not to spread disinformation and reminds them that the 988 line that they access is answered by someone in this state. The statement also announces that the Press 1 Option for the Veterans Crisis Line, and the Press 2 Option for support in Spanish, remain active and available. “Our 988 Call Center here in Rhode Island boasts the best instate answer rates in the country and we remain committed to serving all people with dignity, respect, and compassion, and will continue to advocate for crisis systems that meet the needs of all Rhode Islanders, including the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Karen Jeffreys of Horizon Healthcare Providers. “After July 17th there will be no Press 3 option, they will just be on the regular 988 line like anyone else who calls,” Jeffreys adds. “Here in Rhode Island we are making an extra effort to make sure our crisis counselors that answer the phone are ready to discuss LGBTQIA+ options if folks choose to disclose they are seeking them.”
So LGBTQIA+ folks calling can choose to disclose and they will receive connections to services designed for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. They can also choose not to disclose and they will be counseled on general mental health options.” •
Dial or text 988 if you are having a health crisis.