24 Hour Crisis Hotline/Listening Line | Need to talk? (401) 272-4044 or (800) 365-4044
Suicide Emergency Checklist
For all medical emergencies and life-threatening situations please call 911.
Not in Rhode Island? Still call your 911 and ask for advice.
Generally, all states have the same resources as RI.
The Samaritans of Rhode Island
Suicide Emergency Checklist
We understand in today’s world, there may be some hesitation about calling 911 or rescue.
Please know 911 operators are there to help. Explain the situation. Ask for advice.
Still don’t want to call 911? Consider calling 988 (BHLink) and asking for advice. (Option #5 below.)
or for substance use issues, learn more about Safe Fire Stations. (See Option #7 below.)
Option 1
A suicide emergency/life-threatening situation?
In Rhode Island or anywhere in the USA -Please contact your local 911 and EXPLAIN THE SITUATION AND ASK FOR ADVICE.
Most local 911s are able to connect
with other 911’s in the country.
*Important Note: Many 911 systems have GPS capabilities
to help locate those in distress.
Option 2
For additional help in suicide emergency/life-threatening situation - within Rhode Island: please contact the RI State Police (401)-444-1000.
Explain the situation and ask for advice.
RI State Police can coordinate with RI E-911
and local municipalities.
Out-of-state? Call the State Police in your area.
Option 3
You and your loved one can walk into the nearest
acute care hospital ER. Ask for advice.
Option 4
Currently in the care?
Not a medical emergency or life-threatening
situation requiring police Intervention?
Call your Primary Care doctor and/or your behavioral health provider directly and ASK FOR ADVICE.
Call your insurance provider directly and ask for advice.
Option 5
Someone in Emotional Distress or Substance Use Crisis?
Not currently in care?
Not a medical emergency/life-threatening situation?
Does not require police Intervention?
In RI contact BHLink
by calling 988 or 401-414-5465 for a 24/7 walk-in assessment, treatment and referral located in
East Providence RI. Ask for advice.
(BHLink does not serve children. See #6 Kids Link RI)
Concerns from elsewhere in the country? Call 988
to be connected to resources in your area.
Option 6
FOR CHILDREN
Not a medical emergency or life-threatening situation
requiring police Intervention?
For children, youth and teens – contact pediatrician or
call KIDS Link RI and ask for advice at 1-855-543-5465
Option 7
Substance Use Issue but
Concerns about calling 911 or Rescue?
Consider finding a
SAFE FIRE STATION and asking for advice.
RI SAFE FIRE STATIONS can be located on
Option 8
Need to Talk? - Family, Friends and Professionals
not available or not an option?
Call a volunteer at The Samaritans of Rhode Island
RI's most trusted listening line since 1977
Anonymous, confidential befriending.
401.272.4044 or 1.800.365.4044
Option 9
Other 24/7 Care Services
Please see the websites and call the numbers below to determine if these care options are appropriate.
Explain the situation. Ask for advice.
Butler Hospital (RI) - 1-844-401-0111
RI Certified Behavioral Health Clinics
