This act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set aside staff and money to run specialized 9-8-8 suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. It adds a new item to the Public Health Service Act to create or maintain a "Press 3" option or an Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system specifically for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+). The act also says the Secretary must reserve not less than 9 percent of the amounts appropriated under the related subsection each fiscal year to carry out that work. The bill includes findings noting high rates of suicidal thinking among LGBTQ+ students, that specialized services have handled many contacts, and that these services have training for LGBTQ+ needs.
If enacted, the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to establish, operate, and maintain a dedicated Press 3 or IVR option on the 9-8-8 lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth. This is intended to make it easier for LGBTQ+ young people to reach staff trained to address challenges specific to them. The department must reserve at least 9 percent of the relevant appropriated funds each year for these services.
The act directs that not less than 9 percent of the amounts appropriated under the cited subsection for a fiscal year be reserved to carry out the new subsection. The bill text does not list dollar amounts, total costs, or how much money will be appropriated overall. No publicly available information on exact costs or federal spending totals is included in the bill text.
According to the bill's findings, supporters point to data showing a high share of LGBTQ+ youth report serious suicidal thinking, a large number of contacts already coming to specialized LGBTQ+ services on 9-8-8, and the importance of staff trained on LGBTQ+ issues. Proponents say dedicating resources and a Press 3/IVR option will help ensure these youth can reach appropriate, trained crisis support.
No publicly available information.