The seal for Bucks County. (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
Bucks County Commissioner Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, issued the following statement on the planned termination of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth option:
Since 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s “Select 3” option has saved lives.
This simple option, which specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth, has been utilized to great success, with more than 1.3 million young people connected to lifesaving counseling services, according to the Trevor Project.
This option, as well as the “Select 1” option for veterans, is critically important because people seeking help know that the counselor they’ll be connected with is trained and skilled to help navigate their issues.
But last week, the Trump administration announced, during Pride Month no less, that on July 17 it will be removing the “Select 3” option. This is unconscionable.
The rate of suicide attempts for LGBTQ+ teenagers is four times higher than that of all teens. This alarming number is due to stigma and bullying, as well as the depression and anxiety associated with sharing feelings with parents and peers.
I lost my 16-year-old daughter to suicide and know the absolute devastation it brings. Why would we put such pain on a child or their parent when simply maintaining a “Select 3” choice, can save a life? This is cruel and unnecessary.
I implore the federal government to reverse this decision before this important service vanishes.
It has taken the work of many people across this nation to begin to stop the stigma associated with mental health and suicide, and progress has been made. The creation of the 988 lifeline has been one of the most profound changes to date, and to dismantle this crucial piece of it now would be an enormous setback to one of our country’s most vulnerable populations.
I encourage my fellow citizens to reach out to the White House and to your elected federal officials to express opposition to this change. Please share your support for the 988 lifeline, and let your representatives know that we have come too far to walk away from these essential suicide prevention efforts now.
