Support Services
In response to recent events at Brown University and in an effort to provide immediate and accessible resources for the Providence community. The below resources and updates are available.
For Immediate Assistance
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you love is feeling acute distress or grief, call 988 from anywhere in the United States to be connected with local and national resources as needed. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a source of support available 24/7 to people in crisis, including people experiencing challenging reactions to disasters. Call 9-8-8 for support in English or Spanish.
https://988lifeline.org
Family Service RI Drop-in Center and Crisis Line: Family Service RI can support children and adults struggling with fear grief, anxiety or emotional distress. A drop-in center at 55 Hope Street, Providence will open Sunday December 14, 10:00am-5:00pm and Monday, December 15, 8:30-5:00pm. You can reach Family Service RI at (401) 854-6678 for counseling and support services for anyone in the community who has been affected by this tragedy. They are also available for home visits or virtual counseling.
Brown University Trauma Informed Rapid Response
How You Can Help
Make a Financial Contribute to Support Affected Students: Brown University has established a Student Emergency Support Fund that can provide support for all students financially impacted by this tragedy. People who would like to contribute are encouraged to donate online here: https://go.brown.edu/StudentEmergencySupportFund
Donate Blood: The Rhode Island Blood Center has extended hours at some locations to accept blood donations. Find the hours for a nearby location at https://www.ribc.org/
Local Resources
211: Call 2-1-1 to be connected to a trained professional 24 hours per day/seven days per week with the appropriate resources you need in your community, 211 is a free and confidential service.
The RI Crime Victim Compensation Program is available to victims of violent crime, and can assist with resources including monetary relief, coverage of medical bills, loss of earnings and a host of other services. Victims can apply online at https://treasury.ri.gov/cvcp
BH LINK: BH Link is a walk-in, 24/7 community-based facility where clinicians connect people to immediate, stabilizing emergency behavioral health services, and long-term care and recovery supports. Serving all Rhode Islanders 18+, located at 975 Waterman Ave. East Providence, RI 02914. We strive to create a safe, understanding, and calming place where we can meet your needs.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: For those who may be outside of Providence, please find your local CCBHC for 24/7 response using this link https://bhddh.ri.gov/CCBHC.
A CCBHC is an outpatient clinic that is certified by the State of Rhode Island to offer expanded behavioral health services. CCBHCs serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of age, diagnosis, or insurance status. At a CCBHC, a team of trained health professionals can provide mental health support to you or a loved one, help you or a loved one with a substance use condition, and/or provide 24/7 crisis support.
Butler Hospital 24/7 Behavioral Health Call Center: 844-401-0111 for assistance in determining how to access mental health support services.
City of Providence Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Guide: For additional mental and behavioral health needs please see:
City of Providence Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Guide English
City of Providence Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Guide: Spanish
National Resources & Tip Sheets
General Disaster Response and Recovery Information
This tip sheet is also available in Spanish.
This tip sheet is available in Spanish.
- Be Red Cross Ready: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health after a Disaster
The American Red Cross also offers this fact sheet in a large-print edition as well as in Spanish and several other languages.
The resource is available in Spanish and several other languages:
Resources for Children, Youth, Parents and Other Caregivers, and Schools
- SAMSHA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series: Children and Adolescents –
- SAMSHA Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
The tip sheet is available in Spanish.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Age-related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
The information in the fact sheet is provided in a video in American Sign Language
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
This tip sheet is provided in Spanish as well as several other languages.
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers: In this tip sheet, NCTSN explains how young children may experience traumatic grief, which can arise after a disaster or other event in which the child lost a loved one. The tip sheet lists ways in which young children may go through and express traumatic grief and offers suggestions for parents and other caregivers to support children in coping.
This tip sheet is also provided in Spanish:
Other DDH information is available in 30 commonly spoken languages