Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people. Every year in the US, more people die by suicide than in car accidents, and more suicide deaths occur than homicide and AIDS deaths combined.
In 2022, the State of Rhode Island officially joined the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is made up of an expansive network of over 200 local and state–funded crisis contact centers located across the country.
As a member of Horizon Healthcare Partners, the Thrive Behavioral Health team was integral in overseeing and implementing these vital resources here in Rhode Island. However, with long-term funding still uncertain, we’re calling on our state legislators to help us continue to provide this lifesaving service.
We sat down with Karen Jeffreys, the Director of Communications & Community Partnerships at Horizon Healthcare Partners to learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Why is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline so valuable to the community?
988 offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
What are some of the features of this service that make it unique or effective?
988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources. It is 24/7 and offers call, chat or text options. Additionally, the Lifeline currently provides live crisis center calling services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages. Rhode Islanders can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
What support do you need to maintain or expand funding for this service?
988 is an unfunded mandate, meaning it is a national program that doesn’t come with dollars to run the program. Therefore, we need the State of Rhode Island to prioritize an annual funding source to ensure the operation of this critical crisis hotline. We are introducing legislation this session to ensure the continued funding of the 988 crisis line. To learn about our advocacy/legislative efforts you can visit our advocacy page on our website at https://www.hhpartners.org/advocacyandlegislation#/
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about 988?
We need you to help us spread the word about the new 988 number. Share it with your co-workers, friends, family and colleagues. We need every Rhode Islander to know that help is just a call away. Please help us spread the message that if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or is in emotional distress to call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.