 |
|
5/7/2026
|
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention R.I. chapter honors Rep. Shallcross Smith for work on 988 system
|
 STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has honored Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith as its 2026 advocacy champion.
She was surprised with the award at the foundation’s Advocacy Action Day Tuesday at the State House. The award was given in recognition of Representative Shallcross Smith’s efforts to establish and maintain a 988 call center in Rhode Island. She led the initial efforts to create the call center in 2022, sponsoring legislation that was adopted in that year’s budget.
“I am surprised and honored to be recognized by the AFSP,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket). “I will continue to advocate for the 988 Center and other suicide prevention efforts in the General Assembly, and I look forward to working together with you to make those dreams a reality.”
This session, she is sponsoring legislation (2026-H 8177) that would establish a fund and the operations necessary for a 988 hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. It would also instate a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.
“AFSP is extremely grateful for your support and advocacy effort,” said Volunteer Advocacy Chair Missy Ames, as she presented the award to Representative Shallcross Smith. “And that is why we would like to present you with this small token of our appreciation. Thank you, so much for your advocacy efforts for suicide prevention.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|