Policy & Prevention: Why Now, More Than Ever

Balancing the scales of community support: While federal systems my falter, grassroot efforts and human connections remain America's strongest tool for mental health and suicide prevention.

Hello Operation Flourish Fam!

This is a pivotal moment for mental health and a time especially critical for suicide prevention. Recent federal actions signal reduced support right when people need help most. Let’s take a clear-eyed, nonpartisan look at what’s happening, and why our collective work matters now more than ever.

What’s Changing—and What It Means

Elimination of LGBTQ+ Specific 988 Services

Starting July 17, 2025, the specialized “Press 3” option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults will be discontinued, even though this service has supported over 1.3 million crisis contacts since its 2022 launch.

Advocates warn that removing this service removes a critical lifeline for a high-risk group.

HHS Budget Cuts Targeting Suicide and Addiction Prevention

The 2026 “skinny budget” proposes over $1 billion in cuts to SAMHSA’s Programs of Regional and National Significance—grants supporting the 988 infrastructure, youth suicide prevention (like Garrett Lee Smith grants), and Zero Suicide initiatives. Although some funding such as $520 million for the general 988 is maintained, many vital programs are slated for removal or reduction.

Widespread Behavioral and Mental Health Service Reductions

Broader budget actions include sweeping cuts across HHS (over $31 billion), CMS, SAMHSA, and other agencies—threatening access to behavioral health services, innovative treatments, and essential support networks.

Other proposals also target Medicaid, mental health programs in schools ($1 billion cut), and broader safety nets like SNAP and nutrition supports.

Why It Matters—and Why We Must Act

These changes aren’t just numbers; they are barriers. Cutting LGBTQ+ focused crisis support especially affects youth in already vulnerable positions. When specialized services disappear, so does their chance for timely, understanding help.

That’s precisely why Operation Flourish and my #ChooseHealth movement is vital:

Mindful Mental Health: championing inclusive, stigma-free awareness and coping strategies and filling gaps left by shrinking federal mental health infrastructure.

Joyful Movement, Rest, Nutrition, Avoiding Risk Behaviors: Each of these everyday pillars builds individual resilience, especially suited to environments where institutional support is eroding.

Community Action as Power: When federal systems pull back, local, grassroots initiatives can step in. Whether it’s peer support, wellness workshops, or awareness events—our collective efforts become lifelines too.

Cheerfully yours,

Kayla Myers

#ChooseHealth #OperationFlourish #PolicyForPrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouMatter #InclusiveSupport #CommunityResilience

P.S.

When systems falter, human connection remains our strongest tool.

Call 988 or text HELLO to 741741 and lean into your community.

Do it for yourself or someone you care about.