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Iowa City Crisis Service Line Plans Layoffs as Government Halts 988 Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

UNITED STATES, JUL 7 – The federal funding cut ends a dedicated LGBTQ+ youth suicide hotline that handled 1.5 million contacts since 2022, prompting states like California to expand local mental health support.

  • The federal government is discontinuing the specialized 988 hotline service for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing suicide and crisis, leading CommUnity Crisis Services in Iowa City to plan the dismissal of 49 employees.
  • The hotline, which began operating in late September 2022 to offer specialized crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth facing high suicide risks, has handled close to 1.5 million contacts including calls, texts, and chats to date.
  • Mental health professionals express concerns about underuse of the 988 lifeline overall, while advocates warn that eliminating the dedicated LGBTQ+ service may reduce access for a vulnerable population.
  • Nelson highlighted that this situation coincides with a period when LGBTQ+ individuals are experiencing diminished support and the erosion of rights at local and federal levels, which may heighten their already elevated risk of suicide; however, the primary 988 hotline continues to operate.
  • The shutdown implies reduced availability of tailored support for LGBTQ+ youth and staff layoffs in multiple locations, highlighting challenges in maintaining specialized crisis services nationwide.
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Center

Police link suicide hotline bill to risk of online predators

(The Center Square) — The California Family Council joins law enforcement in revealing a new LGBTQ+ suicide hotline bill that could expose children to online predators.

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Herald Net broke the news in on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
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