Fact Check: 1.3 million LGBTQ young people benefited from the now-terminated lifeline service.

Fact Check: "1.3 million LGBTQ young people benefited from the now-terminated lifeline service."

What We Know

The claim that "1.3 million LGBTQ young people benefited from the now-terminated lifeline service" is supported by multiple sources. The 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which began offering tailored support for LGBTQ+ youth in September 2022, reportedly served nearly 1.3 million callers by June 2025. This figure includes contacts made through calls, texts, and online chats specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking help (AP News, NPR). The service was accessible via a special option known as "Press 3" or by texting "PRIDE" (AP News).

The decision to terminate this specific service was announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which stated that the aim was to "no longer silo" services and to focus on serving all help seekers, including those who previously used the LGBTQ+ youth option (AP News). However, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, such as The Trevor Project, expressed significant concern over this decision, highlighting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth in crisis (NPR).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible news outlets and advocacy organizations. The Associated Press and NPR, both reputable sources, reported on the termination of the LGBTQ+ youth services and confirmed the statistic of 1.3 million contacts (AP News, NPR). The Trevor Project, a leading organization in LGBTQ+ youth advocacy, also corroborated these figures, emphasizing the importance of specialized services for this vulnerable population (The Trevor Project).

While the HHS's rationale for discontinuing the specialized service may be aimed at inclusivity, it raises concerns among mental health advocates who argue that LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges and higher risks of suicide compared to their peers (NPR). The data indicates that approximately 40% of LGBTQ youth have considered suicide, underscoring the necessity of targeted support services (NPR).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include statements from government agencies and established non-profits that focus on mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. However, potential bias may exist in advocacy groups like The Trevor Project, which have a vested interest in maintaining funding for LGBTQ+ services. Nevertheless, their data and claims are supported by broader research on mental health trends among LGBTQ+ youth.

Conclusion

The claim that "1.3 million LGBTQ young people benefited from the now-terminated lifeline service" is True. This figure is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including reports from the Associated Press and NPR, as well as data from The Trevor Project. The termination of the specialized services has raised significant concerns among advocates, emphasizing the ongoing need for tailored support for LGBTQ+ youth.

Fact Check: 1.3 million LGBTQ young people benefited from the now-terminated lifeline service.