Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Announce Expansion of Mental Health Resources for Rhode Islanders Impacted by Recent Gun Violence

Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Announce Expansion of Mental Health Resources for Rhode Islanders Impacted by Recent Gun Violence

Published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI | FEBRUARY 17, 2026: Governor Dan McKee today announced the launch of a statewide virtual support hub to assist all communities impacted by the devastating shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

The website, Governor.RI.gov/SupportHub, will serve as a centralized resource for people across the state who are seeking support in the aftermath of the tragedy. The hub provides information on available virtual and in-person mental health services, domestic violence supports, and guidance for families and school leaders on how to talk with students and children who may be struggling.

"Too many Rhode Islanders know what it feels like to lose a loved one, a neighbor, or a friend to gun violence-and too many have experienced the tragedy of domestic violence in their everyday lives," said Governor Dan McKee. "In cities and towns across Rhode Island, many members of our community are struggling right now. I want them to know we are here to support you."

In addition to the support provided by local community organizations, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is expanding access to mental and emotional support to all Rhode Island students through an ongoing partnership with Hazel Health.

"I am heartbroken by the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, which has impacted students and families across our small state. Our hearts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "I urge families to speak with their children, to monitor how they are feeling, and to reach out for help if needed."

"I'm grateful to Rhode Island's school-based mental health providers who go above and beyond for our kids every day. With students in many schools in Rhode Island on February break, students and families are encouraged to contact Hazel Health, which provides comprehensive, virtual mental health services. Through our partnership with Hazel Health, RIDE is providing access to additional mental health and emotional support to all Rhode Island students and educators."

To learn more about Hazel Health, visit www.hazel.co/faq. Visit www.hazel.co/get-startedto connect your child to care.

Below is a list of resources that are available to students, families, and educators across the Ocean State:

Family Service of RI (FSRI) can support children and adults struggling with fear, grief, anxiety or emotional distress. FSRI is actively working with the Providence Public School District and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

You can reach FSRI at 401-854-6678 for counseling and support services. FSRI's Community Support Center is located at 55 Hope Street, Providence, RI and is open to anyone Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Call or text United Way of Rhode Island's2-1-1 to be connected to a trained professional 24 hours per day/seven days per week, who can connect with appropriate resources in your community. 211 is a free and confidential service.

BH Link is a walk-in community-based facility where clinicians connect people to immediate, stabilizing emergency behavioral health services, and long-term care and recovery supports. BH link is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves all Rhode Islanders 18+. BH Link is located at 975 Waterman Ave. East Providence, RI 02914.

The Providence Center (TPC) provides specially trained crisis staff and supportive services. TPC Center for Child and Adolescent Services is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 520 Hope Street in Providence. You can reach the Providence Center's 24/7 crisis line at 401-274-7111.

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is an outpatient clinic that is certified by the State of Rhode Island to offer expanded behavioral health services. CCBHCs serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of age, diagnosis, or insurance status, and provide 24/7 crisis support.

• Community Care Alliance(Woonsocket) 

• Family Service of Rhode Island(Providence) 

• Gateway Healthcare(Pawtucket, Johnston, and South County) 

• Newport Mental Health(Newport County) 

• The Providence Center(Providence) 

• Thrive Behavioral Health(Warwick) 

More information at: https://bhddh.ri.gov/CCBHC.

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violencehas a list of resources for victims and advocates. Their confidential statewide Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-494-8100.

Sojourner Househas a Hotline number for survivors of abuse who are looking for support: 401-765-3232. Their Drop-In Advocacy & Resource Center is at 1570 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909

Following the December 2025 shooting at Brown University, Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD, who serves as Director of Clinical Innovation at Bradley Hospital (which is partners with RIDE and Brown University Health), published: School Shootings and Community Gun Violence: What to Say to Children and How to Help Them Cope, which is available in both English and Spanish.

Additional national resources include:

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 9-8-8. If you or someone you love is feeling acute distress or grief, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in both English and Spanish.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has free online resources to support children who suffer from traumatic stress.

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