Rhode Island

Sen. Reed Wants to Shorten the Suicide Prevention Hotline

The Rhode Island Democrat helped introduce a bill to designate 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Line

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is helping lead an effort to create a three-digit suicide prevention hotline.

The Rhode Island Democrat worked with three of his colleagues, Sens. Cory Gardner, Tammy Baldwin and Jerry Moran, to introduce a bill to designate 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It would include the Veterans Crisis Line.

Reed says the current hotline is 10 digits and that's a barrier. Reed says a shorter number will help get people into care, but it's just a first step and the federal government must "put up real resources.''

Rhode Island residents who dial the current hotline, (800) 273-TALK, are connected to BH Link. Reed says the East Providence behavioral health facility received more than 5,000 mental health and substance use crisis calls in the past year.

SUICIDE PREVENTION: If you know someone who needs help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Copyright A
Contact Us