RALEIGH, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it will eliminate federal funding for the LGBTQ+ youth-specific option on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As a result, beginning July 17, 2025, callers to 988 will no longer be able to “Press 3” for crisis support tailored specifically to LGBTQ+ youth. In response, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable crisis care for all residents.
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, emphasized that North Carolina will continue to serve every caller, regardless of background or identity.
“The need for mental health care for young people in North Carolina has never been greater,” Crosbie stated. “We are committed to reaching every person in every community in every corner of our state.”
North Carolina is considered a national leader in 988 implementation. The state boasts an average response time of less than 14 seconds, with 100% of calls answered by trained and experienced crisis professionals. According to Crosbie, that level of care will not change with the elimination of federal dollars supporting the LGBTQ+ line.
Each month, over 8,000 North Carolinians reach out to the 988 Lifeline seeking help. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10–14, and among the top causes for individuals aged 15–24. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers.
Despite the federal change, Crosbie reassured that North Carolinians—including LGBTQ+ individuals—can and should continue using the 988 Lifeline. Support will remain available, and operators will continue connecting individuals to the resources they need.
Statewide Resources Remain Strong
In addition to 988, North Carolina provides a broad range of crisis care services, including:
- Mobile Crisis Teams that respond to people in the community.
- Community Crisis Centers offering walk-in help from licensed clinicians.
- The Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC), available 24/7 for those who prefer to speak with someone who shares lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
- Free, confidential 988 Lifeline access via call, text, or chat, 24/7.
Resources for suicide prevention, substance use, family and social stressors, and more are available through the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website, including downloadable flyers and toolkits in both English and Spanish.
Commitment to the Future of Crisis Care
As North Carolina navigates this change, NCDHHS leadership says the state remains focused on building a crisis response system that is not only efficient but also inclusive. The department’s broader goal is to create a mental health care infrastructure that supports people at every stage of their mental and behavioral health journey.
“In North Carolina, there will always be someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go,” Crosbie affirmed.
For more information or support, North Carolinians are encouraged to call or text 988, or visit the state’s mental health resources page.
