PLOS Blog Criticizes US Defunding of LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Services
The Official PLOS Blog has published a statement expressing strong concern over the White House’s decision to eliminate federal funding for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth services. This policy change, effective recently, halts a specialized service that has provided life-saving support to over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people since 2022. The blog highlights that LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges, often exacerbated by discrimination and stigma. Aligning with its mission of openness, inclusion, and equity, PLOS argues that defunding these specific crisis services undermines evidence-based public health policy and disregards the urgent needs of vulnerable populations. The post references personal stories from Scholarly Kitchen writers and provides a curated list of alternative resources, including The Trevor Project and NAMI. Additionally, it promotes relevant scientific studies from PLOS Mental Health and PLOS Medicine journals that address suicide risk, mental health barriers, and interventions for sexual and gender diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of scientifically sound and compassionate health interventions.
Wire timeline
PLOS Blog Criticizes US Defunding of LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Services
The Official PLOS Blog has published a statement expressing strong concern over the White House’s decision to eliminate federal funding for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth services. This policy change, effective recently, halts a specialized service that has provided life-saving support to over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people since 2022. The blog highlights that LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges, often exacerbated by discrimination and stigma. Aligning with its mission of openness, inclusion, and equity, PLOS argues that defunding these specific crisis services undermines evidence-based public health policy and disregards the urgent needs of vulnerable populations. The post references personal stories from Scholarly Kitchen writers and provides a curated list of alternative resources, including The Trevor Project and NAMI. Additionally, it promotes relevant scientific studies from PLOS Mental Health and PLOS Medicine journals that address suicide risk, mental health barriers, and interventions for sexual and gender diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of scientifically sound and compassionate health interventions.
The Official PLOS Blog