The Texas Department of Health and Human Services “appears to have removed” LGBTQ-related resources from its suicide prevention page, NBC News reported Wednesday.
The removal appears to have occurred between Feb. 2 and Feb. 5 where, of the four suicide-related phone lines, only the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth organization, was removed. As of this writing, a phone number for the Trevor Project is still included under resources on the DSHS's Youth Suicide Prevention pdf document.
Sam Ames, director of advocacy and government affairs at The Trevor Project, told NBC News’ Jo Yurcaba mental health should not be a political issue.
NBC News and NBC 5 both have reached out to the Health and Human Services Department for comment. They have not been returned.
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“We’re talking about a group of young people who are more than four times likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers,” Ames said, citing research from his organization.
The removal comes at a time when LGBTQ rights are at the forefront of Texas politics. Just last week, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) directed state officials to investigate whether gender-affirming care for transgender youth was considered child abuse.
NBC News additionally reported last October the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services removed pages of LGBTQ resources last August after criticism from former state Senator Don Huffines, a then primary challenger in the Gubernatorial race.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
