Multnomah County Faces Potential $240K Cuts to Teen Crisis Hotline Funding
Multnomah County in Oregon is considering budget cuts that could impact the funding of YouthLine, a crisis hotline for teens. YouthLine connects callers aged 10 to 24 with trained volunteers who provide support for various issues, including mental health struggles. The program, which also serves as a workforce development initiative, is at risk of losing $240,000 in funding. This potential cut comes as the county works to balance its budget amid a multimillion-dollar deficit. State leaders, including Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, have urged the county to maintain the funding, emphasizing the critical role YouthLine plays in addressing the mental health needs of young people. 
