Press Releases
Lawler Releases Statement on Restoration of 988 Press 3 Option for LGBTQ+ Youth
Washington D.C.,
October 1, 2026
Washington, D.C. – 10/1/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement regarding the restoration of the Press 3 option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which allows LGBTQ+ youth experiencing a mental health crisis to connect with counselors trained to address their specific needs. The Press 3 option resumed service on September 30, 2026.
Lawler has been a leading advocate for reinstating the service after it was discontinued in July 2025. He worked across the aisle to introduce legislation codifying specialized 988 services for LGBTQ+ youth and helped secure $33.1 million in federal funding for the restoration. “At the heels of National Suicide Prevention Month, I am grateful for the official restoration of the Press 3 option on the 988 Lifeline. Young people in crisis deserve access to counselors trained to meet their specific needs. When a young person is brave enough to reach out for help, we need to make sure someone is there to answer. Now that Press 3 is back, I’ll continue working to ensure 988 and other mental health resources are there for every person who needs them,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. ### |