Moulton, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Urge HHS to Restore 988 Crisis Lifeline Services for LGBTQ+ Youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging the Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately restart specialized 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services for LGBTQ+ youth. These services have already been funded by Congress and directed to be operational by the end of this month. 

In the letter, the Members stressed that Congress appropriated $33.1 million in FY26 specifically to support the 988 Lifeline’s “Press 3” services for LGBTQ+ youth, recognizing the heightened suicide risk facing young people in the community and the lifesaving importance of specialized crisis support.

The letter was signed by Reps. Moulton, Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

“Every day these lines stay offline, young people are left without the support they need, when they need it most,” said Congressman Moulton. “Congress has provided the funding for these services. To not use those funds as appropriated is dangerous and short-sighted. HHS needs to honor congressional intent and restore these services without further delay.”

Since its launch, the LGBTQ+ youth component of the 988 Lifeline has handled nearly 1.6 million calls, texts, and chats—an average of more than 2,000 contacts per day— underscoring the scale of the need and how critical this lifeline is. 

The lawmakers emphasized that specialized services for high-risk populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and veterans, were a core part of the 988 Lifeline when it was signed into law, and that allowing these services to remain offline contradicts both congressional direction and established best practices in suicide prevention.

The Members called on HHS to ensure LGBTQ+ youth services within 988 are fully restored no later than February 28, 2026. 

The full letter can be read here.

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