Rhode Island suicide and crisis hotline calls increase by 50% since launch

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee said that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline answered more than 6,000 calls during its first year of operation in the state.

The governor said that this shows a “significant increase” to the number of people in Rhode Island being connected to mental health resources.

Rhode Island was also at or near the top nationwide each month for the percentage of 988 calls answered in-state and as well as for average speed to answer.

“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.

He added that approximately 42 percent of calls in the state resulted in specific behavioral health or community resources provided, and less than two percent resulted in first responder dispatch.