RI Gets $1 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Providence, RI - September is National Suicide Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, share resources, and strengthen connections that can help save lives.

To mark the occasion and highlight the importance of mental health services, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that Rhode Island is receiving $1,057,919 in federal funds to help support the state's suicide prevention efforts, administer the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and ensure they have the tools, training, and staffing levels needed to effectively respond to suicide risks and help save people in crisis.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support and crisis care referrals from trained counselors to anyone experiencing severe distress and/or suicidal thoughts. People can access the Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Struggling Rhode Islanders in need or those seeking help for a loved one in crisis have called or texted Rhode Island's 988 Call Center more than 40,000 times over the last several years.

Thanks to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, those seeking help are connected to trained, compassionate, local professionals who understand their community and may direct them to a safe place to receive immediate care, or assistance with continued treatment.

Each year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is there to answer millions of calls nationwide and connect people to life-saving assistance and mental health resources.

"The 988 Lifeline saves lives. This federal funding will help ensure Rhode Island's mental health crisis hotline remains available to those in need, when they need it. And we must spread the message that help is always available and encourage outreach to end the stigma around mental health and prevent death by suicide. We've got to change the conversation so more people understand that seeking help and preventative mental health care before there is a crisis is not a weakness, it is smart. If you feel despair, reach out because you are not alone and help is available. We also want more people to recognize the signs and know where to get help or refer others. It can make a world of difference," said Senator Reed.

"Mental health deserves to be treated with the same level of urgency, care, and professionalism as physical health," said Whitehouse. "The 988 Lifeline has helped many Rhode Islanders in crisis, and Senator Reed is to thank for its existence."

"Every Rhode Islander deserves to know that help is just a call or text away when experiencing their darkest moments," said Magaziner. "I am proud to help deliver funding to strengthen the 988 Lifeline in Rhode Island and ensure trained counselors are ready to respond to those in need, so no one facing a mental health crisis has to face it alone."

"The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is more than a number. It's a promise that no one has to face a mental health crisis alone," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I'm grateful to have worked alongside my colleagues to deliver this funding so Rhode Island's 988 Lifeline has the resources to answer every call with urgency, dignity, and compassion."

In Rhode Island, Horizon Healthcare Partners (HHP), along with its member agencies, is among the hundreds of organizations nationwide raising awareness about the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental health. HHP staffs 988's call center and BHLink with Community Care Alliance. BH Link has been answering these calls since the summer of 2019, when the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), which funds BH Link, chose to take advantage of the fact that the center was already answering calls 24/7.

The members of the Congressional delegation noted that 988's text feature -- which connects users to a live counselor - is especially helpful to younger people who may be less comfortable or overwhelmed speaking to someone over the phone. The text feature is part of a nationwide strategy to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation, behavior, and deaths by young people.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was responsible for nearly 49,000 deaths in 2024, and the rate among men was nearly four times higher than women. The CDC also reports that suicide is one of the highest leading causes of death in the United States, ranking second for Americans aged 10 to 14, 15 to 24, and 25 to 36.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 confidential crisis support.

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