CHICAGO – NAMI Chicago welcomes the restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ crisis services through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s “Press 3” option.
As one of the largest chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we reach tens of thousands of people each year. We became a 988 call center in January 2024, and since then we have answered more than 55,000 calls.
Specialized crisis support strengthens 988 by recognizing that different communities face different barriers to care. We know this kind of support can help someone get through a moment of crisis and ultimately save lives.
Over the past several months, NAMI Chicago has consistently joined advocates, public officials, and community partners in calling publicly for the restoration of these services, including through press conferences and conversations focused on protecting access to specialized, affirming crisis support.
We are grateful to Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, The Trevor Project, Equality Illinois, and the many advocates, providers, and young people who helped push for these services to return.
Restoring this resource is an important step toward ensuring every person who reaches out for help can access responsive, affirming support. Now, the focus must be on making sure these services remain strong, accessible, and available to every young person who needs them.
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