SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Beginning July 17th, callers won’t be able to access LGBTQ services when calling 988. Susan Williams, the founder of the Transformation Project, says she knew these cuts could happen.
“It’s very disheartening to see that this administration would cut funding to actually save lives. And so, it was very depressing, very sad. And I think the whole LGBTQ population was feeling the same,” said Susan Williams, founder and executive director of the Transformation Project.
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The Trevor Project started answering 988 calls in 2022, and has picked up 1.3 million calls since then. The suicide hotline will still be around, but not all crisis counselors will have specific training about LGBTQ individuals.
“I think that when you’re in crisis, you’re going to reach out wherever you can, and we hope that people will reach out to Helpline and to 988 because even someone that doesn’t have a ton of training in working with a population can still be somebody to talk to and help you to calm down and just have someone to talk with you,” said Williams.
The Helpline center released this statement to KELOLAND News: On July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer offer the “Press 3 option” for LGBTQ+ youth services that connected callers to national call centers. As the 988 provider in South Dakota, the Helpline Center wants to assure everyone that the 988 service will still be available 24/7 after this change. Callers from South Dakota will be connected directly with the Helpline Center who will provide access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Going forward, Williams is still holding out hope that Congress will block the funding cuts. If not, she has a message for the LGBTQ+ community:
“Just know that we’re here, we’re going to fight for you. We are always going to be here to support you. And just know that the community has your back,” said Williams.
For those in the trans community needing support and resources, they can call the Trans Lifeline number at (877)565-8860.
