Calls to the national LGBTQ+ youth suicide hotline, which the Trump administration recently shut down, are now being redirected to the Maine Crisis Line, according to News Center Maine NBC-TV.

Reports News Center Maine:

When you call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, you may hear the following: The “press 3″ option, which connected callers under the age of 25 with LGBTQ-trained counselors, is no longer available.” The national LGBTQ+-focused 988 Lifeline program was launched in July 2022, following the passage of a law under the first Trump Administration.

Senator Susan Collins (R) from Maine sponsored that bill, which established the specialized care options.

“In 2022, I joined Senator Tammy Baldwin in introducing the 988 Coordination and Improvement Act, which established specialized care options,” Collins told News Center Maine in a statement. “The ‘Press 3’ option is important because LGBTQ+ youth face higher mental health risks. This option gives these young people immediate access to counselors who are specifically trained to address their unique challenges, and I will continue to advocate for federal support for this effective program.” …

Unfortunately, thanks to anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives of Collins party, that lifeline is no more.

On July 17, the Trump Administration terminated the program by cutting its funding.

In a statement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)noted that it would “no longer silo the services and would instead focus on serving all help seekers.”

Equality Maine Deputy Director Heide Lester says the elimination of the services comes when research indicates LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peer due to stigma and discrimination. 

[Still], when people call the 988 number but do not select options one or two, they will be redirected to the Maine Crisis Line, managed by the Opportunity Alliance.

“Those call takers are all trained to respond to members of the LGBTQ+ community in a culturally humble and affirming way. We are very fortunate in this state,” Lester stated.

The Trevor Project will continue to provide its own 24/7 crisis services to people seeking support via chat, text, or phone at 1-866-488-7386. Advocates, meanwhile, are actively reaching out to members of Congress and state legislators. …

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact the 24/7 Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112, or dial 988 for the 7-1-1 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Read the complete News Center Maine story here.

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