US EditionRemoval of LGBTQ+ Option From 988 Hotline Is Straining Overburdened Texas Crisis Centers
Texas 988 call volume rose to 25,511 in December 2025 amid funding cuts and removal of LGBTQ+ option, straining crisis centers that face a $7 million deficit.
- This year Texas's 988 system has seen rising calls as the administration removed the LGBTQ+ 'Press 3' option, increasing strain on Texas crisis care centers.
- The Texas 988 program currently receives $19 million from two federal grants but faces an expiring award, and last year lawmakers created a 988 Trust Fund without appropriating state dollars.
- The hotline handled up to 70,000 contacts per month nationwide, and the Texas 988 system received 25,511 calls in December 2025, up from 14,961 in December 2023.
- Local crisis centers are expected to fill the gap left by the canceled LGBTQ+ routing, but Texas crisis care centers face difficulty meeting demand amid a $7 million funding deficit and dwindling federal funds.
- State lawmakers rejected State Sen. José Menéndez's telecom fee proposal, the Trump administration briefly announced then reversed budget cuts earlier this month, and advocates urge action to protect higher-risk groups.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Associated Press News
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
For Julia Hewitt, the removal of LGBTQ+ services from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and potential funding freezes and cuts are a personal and professional issue.
Calls to 988 line increasing but investment is still lacking
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
Texas 988 Hotline Stretched After LGBTQ+ Option Is Eliminated » ¡Que Onda Magazine!
Texas crisis centers are under growing strain following the removal of the LGBTQ+ youth option from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a change that coincides with rising call volumes and unstable funding. Loss of Targeted Support The Trump administration ended the “Press 3” option last summer, which had connected LGBTQ+ youth to specially trained […] La entrada Texas 988 Hotline Stretched After LGBTQ+ Option Is Eliminated se publicó primero e…
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