SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — LGBTQ+ youth dialed 9-8-8 more than 1.5 million times to connect with crisis counselors. But their line for specialized care has been disconnected.

For the first three years of its existence, the 988 lifeline has offered LGBTQ+ youth the choice to press 3 to speak with someone specialized to help them. But that option has now gone dark.

Now, Illinois officials have prepared their operators to handle more calls.

“To us, this is really a life-or-death issue,” said Allie Lichterman, IDHS Crisis Community Programs Administrator.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has made sure operators in the state are prepared to handle callers from all backgrounds.

“We want to make sure that we’re providing that really confidential, affirming care so that we meet them where they’re at with those very particular needs and also meet their broader needs and see them as a full person,” Lichterman said.

LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to consider suicide compared to their straight friends.

Experts say it’s because they experience discrimination and stigma.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced the decision as an effort to cut costs, noting in a statement they spent more than $33 million to silo callers.

“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,” the agency said in a statement. “Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”

Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have asked the Trump administration to reverse course, saying it’s worth the price.

“In the face of a youth mental health crisis and rise in attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, we cannot afford to lose this lifesaving resource.” Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) said.

The nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project, still offers crisis support 24-7 designed for LGBTQ+ children and teens. You can find more information on their website.