The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is responding to a recent federal announcement to eliminate funding for a youth LGBTQ Crisis Hotline.
Beginning in mid-July, young people in crisis who dial 988 will not have the option to press the number 3 for LGBTQ youth. That support option was established three years ago to address the higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide within this community.
NCDHHS Mental Health Director Kelly Crosbie says the Trevor Line, as it is known, will be tough to replace.
"So this is very specialized," she says. "You know, they have specialized mental health needs, concerns, and experiences, and so the Trevor line is full of well-trained specialists who understand maybe what that unique mental health challenge of that group of teens is."
Crosbie says the care for LGBTQ youth will continue in North Carolina.
To deal with an anticipated increase in call volume, new hires will be made for local 988 operators. The state is already training staff who know about the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQ community.