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9/8/2025
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Lawmakers join officials in recognizing National 988 Day
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 STATE HOUSE — Rhode Island legislators joined the state’s 988 Call Center, Gov. Dan McKee, federal and state officials, representatives from the New England Patriots and local community members today to officially launch 988 Day.
Rhode Island joined states around the country for a national day of awareness focused on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to raise awareness of 988 in creative and meaningful ways within local communities. 988 Day is a key part of the broader September initiatives focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, such as National Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month.
“Today we gather not only to celebrate the success of the 988 program, but more importantly to spread the word about it,” said Rep. Joseph Solomon (D-Dist. 22, Warwick). “Because it’s not enough that we provide the resources to help those who are overcome with despair, we also have to use our energies to erode the stigma that has stood in the way of help and treatment for those who need it.”
988 Day comes amid a dramatic increase in the number of calls answered in Rhode Island. When the 988 line was launched in July 2022, the local 988 Call Center received 490 calls that first month. In July 2025, they received 1,530 calls for a 212% increase. Additionally, they answered 1,285 BH Link calls for a total of 2,815 calls that were received by the 988 crisis counselors this July.
“We know so many Rhode Islanders are struggling, and the need for 988 is greater than ever before,” said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “Access to critical support and resources at a moment of crisis can save or change the course of a person’s life — and that, in turn, can make a powerful difference for families and communities. On behalf of the Senate, I am honored to be part of 988 Day and grateful to everyone who makes 988 a reality here in Rhode Island.”
Stephanie Clifford, Clinical Supervisor for the 988 Call Center, described the various types of calls the crisis counselors receive from teens calling because they are being bullied to elders calling just to hear another human voice. Clifford exclaimed, “These are the moments where empathy becomes a lifeline. We listen. We validate. We help them find the one reason to hold on. These are not just calls. They’re moments of courage. Moments of connection. 988 isn’t just a number. It’s a promise: that no one has to go through a mental health crisis alone.”
Rhode Island’s participation will make a local impact by assuring everyone that they are not alone—anyone can text, chat, or call 988 anytime, 24/7, to connect with a skilled, caring, and nonjudgmental counselor. This year marks the second 988 Day, beginning an annual tradition on 9/8 and setting the stage for ongoing engagement and awareness of 988 across the United States. This year’s National 988 Day theme is “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” to positively promote 988 and share the 988 Day awareness on social media using the hashtag: #988Day. Horizon Healthcare Partners (HHP) encourages its partners and community members to join them in sharing this message within their own networks. Horizon Healthcare Partners (HHP), along with its six member agencies, is proud to be one of hundreds of organizations around the country raising awareness about the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental health as part of 988 Day.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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