Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community claimed a win this week after the Trump administration pledged to reinstate the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline specialized support program tailored to their needs. [MEDPAGE TODAY]

During a Senate hearing earlier this week, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was asked whether he would commit to restoring the tailored line for LGBTQ+ callers to 988, as required by law, after the Trump administration removed it last summer.

"We are working on getting it up now," Kennedy said.

While most 988 calls are routed to the nearest call center, callers who press 3 or text PRIDE were once connected to a centralized network of trained crisis counselors who have shared lived experiences or are trained to provide services to LGBTQ+ youth.

Linking callers to local resources is usually best, since support outside of a phone call might be needed. However, for those in states where attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals are widespread, local resources may not be preferred, Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told MedPage Today.

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