Home Subscriber Only Focus Number change boosts calls to R.I. crisis lifeline

Number change boosts calls to R.I. crisis lifeline

SUDDEN BOOST: After the national suicide and crisis lifeline changed its number to a three-digit 988, monthly calls in Rhode Island increased 53% from 313 in December 2021 to 480 in December 2022. Pictured is Matthew Latondresse, 988 clinical supervisor at the BH Link call center in East Providence. The mural was done by artist Elizabeth Jweinat, who works under the name Lizzy $our. 
 PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
SUDDEN BOOST: After the national suicide and crisis lifeline changed its number to a three-digit 988, monthly calls in Rhode Island increased 53% from 313 in December 2021 to 480 in December 2022. Pictured is Matthew Latondresse, 988 clinical supervisor at the BH Link call center in East Providence. The mural was done by artist Elizabeth Jweinat, who works under the name Lizzy $our. 
 PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

A little over six months since the national suicide and crisis lifeline trimmed down its number to an easy-to-remember 988, calls have been pouring into the line faster than ever. In Rhode Island alone, where calls are routed to local call center BH Link, the volume of calls received jumped 40% between June and July

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