988's LGBTQ+ youth line ends, but local care continues
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CommCARE says Kansas City-area residents will still receive identity-affirming mental health support, as 988 calls from LGBTQ+ youth will now be routed to trained local counselors instead of a national hotline.
Why it matters: LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk of suicide, and a dedicated 988 option offered connection to specialized help nationwide. Its removal raises concerns about losing that layer of identity-affirming care.
- That line connected callers directly to counselors from The Trevor Project.
Driving the news: The Trump administration ended the LGBTQ+ option last week, but the broader 988 system remains in place.
The big picture: CommCARE, which operates 988 services for the Kansas City metro and Northwest Missouri, says it has handled nearly 62,000 crisis calls since 2022.
- With the option to Press 3 for specialized care now gone, calls from LGBTQ+ youth will be routed to local counselors with access to mobile crisis teams.
Between the lines: The local response aims to strengthen regional care by keeping support close to home, though LGBTQ+ advocates have raised concerns nationally about the loss of a dedicated line.
Catch up quick: We reported last month that Kansas and Missouri sit in the middle of the pack for 988 usage, with Missouri averaging 28.2 contacts per 1,000 residents in 2024. The national average was 23.7.
What's next: CommCARE says it remains committed to confidential, culturally competent care and recommends The Trevor Project's 24/7 support line for LGBTQ+ youth who want a national option.
- The service is still available by phone at 1-866-488-7386, by texting "START" to 678678, or online.