RI Suicide, Crisis Line Calls Increase By More Than 50%: Gov. McKee

RHODE ISLAND — The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline answered more than 6,000 calls during its first year of operation in Rhode Island, significantly increasing the number of people being connected to mental health resources, Gov. Dan McKee said Wednesday.

McKee said Rhode Island fielded 6,285 calls from the 988 number from July 2022 through June 2023, a 58 percent increase over the 3,986 calls fielded during the previous year through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline before the launch of 988. Rhode Island was also at or near the top nationwide each month for the percentage of 988 calls answered in-state and average speed to answer, meaning a greater likelihood of connecting callers with the help they need, according to McKee.

"Making it easier for people to call and answering their calls quickly increases the chances that they will get the help they need, and it can also save lives," McKee said. "That's why it is important to recognize Rhode Island's efforts with 988 and to continue to spread the word about 988, so that people know that finding help is as easy as dialing those three numbers."

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline went live in July 2022, providing access to help previously available through a 10-digit national lifeline number and a local Rhode Island number.

"The ease of pressing those three digits is leading more people to seek help, and that means the 988 lifeline is making a difference," Louis Cerbo, the interim director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, said. "It's also important that the vast majority of Rhode Island calls are being handled locally, because the Rhode Island call center has services and can make connections that will help people in a timely manner."

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