AFSP Statement by Bob Gebbia, CEO, on Restoration of Specialized 988 Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is grateful to see the restoration and operation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Press 3 option, which connects LGBTQ+ youth with uniquely trained counselors and specialized services.

Specialized, affirming crisis support is critical to ensuring that LGBTQ+ young people who reach out for help can connect with services that understand and respond to their needs and experiences. Facing stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers making this resource essential to saving lives in disproportionately affected communities like this one.

AFSP is especially thankful to the bipartisan members of Congress who championed its restoration and remained steadfast in their efforts for more than a year to see this specialized support return. We are proud of our AFSP volunteer advocates who remained persistent in calling for its return, and appreciate the broader mental health community for keeping the need for specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth in focus.

We look forward to its continued operation and to LGBTQ+ young people having access to this specialized crisis support when they need it. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.

Media interested in speaking with AFSP on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and explore AFSP's Safe Storytelling Studio for ethical reporting guidance.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention