Los Angeles County launches a local 988 "Press 3" pilot to restore LGBTQ+ youth crisis support after federal shutdown.

Five months after the Trump administration ended the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized LGBTQ+ youth support service, Los Angeles County is launching a local pilot program to restore the "Press 3" option, providing affirming, culturally competent crisis counseling. The move follows the federal shutdown of the program, which had served over 14% of 988 callers in its final year. County supervisors and state lawmakers are pushing to reestablish the service statewide and federally, citing the life-saving importance of targeted mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth, who face heightened risks of suicide and emotional distress. The new hotline is expected to launch in the coming months pending final approvals and funding.