June 12, 2025
A leaked federal budget proposal calls for the defunding of specialized LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention services, most notably the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which could cost lives, New Jersey mental health professionals warn.
“Quite simply, more will possibly die or deteriorate without access to services in time or at all,” Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, said to NorthJersey.com. “This population is already at significantly greater risk of mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts and behaviors.”
These services were actually signed into law back in 2020, when President Donald J. Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, establishing 988 as the national suicide prevention hotline. The legislation also mandated the development of specialized counseling for LGBTQ+ youth and other high-risk groups.
