A person uses a cell phone on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Los Angeles. Media reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump is considering pulling funding from the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline's services for LGBTQ+ youth, however an alternative number shared as 'Canada’s national suicide hotline' on social media is exclusively for the transgender community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Paula Ulichney
A person uses a cell phone on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Los Angeles. Media reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump is considering pulling funding from the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline's services for LGBTQ+ youth, however an alternative number shared as 'Canada’s national suicide hotline' on social media is exclusively for the transgender community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Paula Ulichney
This week, online posts claimed Canada would offer its national suicide hotline toll-free for Americans in response to United States President Donald Trump supposedly shutting down the national suicide hotline in the United States. Such claims are misleading. The number shared online belongs to Trans Lifeline, which offers support exclusively for the transgender community in the United States and Canada. According to U.S. media reports, Trump's administration plans to eliminate services for LGBTQ+ youth available through its national suicide hotline, but the entire hotline would not be eliminated.Â
THE CLAIMÂ
On Friday, a report from U.S. media outlet suggested President Donald Trump's administration plans to eliminate the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline's services for LGBTQ+ youth as part of a funding cut.Â
A , formerly Twitter, claimed Canada would offer its national suicide hotline toll-free for Americans in response to the proposed cut.Â
The post, which received more than 140,000 likes, suggested Trump would "shut down" the U.S. suicide hotline and gave the supposed Canadian hotline number.Â
On , a similar post sharing the number received more than 140,000 views.Â
RATING: Misleading
The 1-877-330-6366 number actually belongs to , which offers services to transgender people in Canada and the United States.Â
Unlike the national suicide hotlines for Canada and the United States, Trans Lifeline's services are meant specifically for transgender people and are not available 24/7.Â
"Our hotline is being incorrectly shared as 'Canada’s national suicide hotline open toll free for Americans,'" on Facebook.Â
"We are not a general crisis hotline, we exist exclusively to support the trans community."Â
The number shared is the Canadian version of the hotline; a separate number exists for the United States.Â
In both Canada , people struggling with their mental health or with thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 to connect with the 24/7.
The specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth at the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline in the United States means they can speak to a crisis counsellor trained to provide support for LGBTQ+ people.
While it's still unclear whether Trump's administration plans to go through with the proposed funding cut to the hotline, it remains fully operational. Â
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, Canada's national suicide prevention helpline.
SOURCES
Jacqueline Howard. 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth would be eliminated under leaked budget proposal. CNN . April 25, 2025 ()
Claim shared April 27, 2025 () and April 28, 2025 ()
Trans Lifeline Hotline. Trans Lifeline . Accessed April 29, 2025 ()Ìý
Trans Lifeline . April 28, 2025 ()
988 Lifeline (United States). Accessed April 29, 2025 ()
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada). Accessed April 29, 2025 ()
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