988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025
Summary
The 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 aims to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate sufficient resources to support LGBTQ+ youth seeking help from the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline. The bill amends Section 520E-3(b) of the Public Health Service Act to include dedicating resources for specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. It also amends Section 520E-3(f) to reserve not less than 9 percent of appropriated funds for these specialized services.
Expected Effects
This act would increase funding and resources for the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. This could lead to improved mental health support and crisis intervention for this vulnerable population. The dedicated funding stream ensures that the specialized services are maintained and expanded.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Increased resources for training hotline staff on LGBTQ+-specific issues.
- Potential reduction in suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth.
- Enhanced data collection and understanding of the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Strengthened crisis intervention services tailored to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if the 9% allocation is not effectively managed.
- Possible backlash or opposition from groups who do not support LGBTQ+ rights.
- Risk of over-specialization, potentially neglecting other vulnerable populations in need of mental health support.
- The act does not address the root causes of mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community, focusing solely on crisis intervention.
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative overhead in managing the dedicated funding stream.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the mental health and well-being of a specific population. The allocation of funds for a specific purpose falls under the purview of Congress's spending power. However, potential challenges could arise if the implementation of the act infringes upon individual liberties or rights, although this is not explicitly evident in the bill's text.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).