The 988 Community Convening Event
took place at The Crowne Plaza in Warwick on March 28, 2025 and brought together community partners and key stakeholders from across the state to plan for our joint 988 work for 2025 and beyond. This page contains day-of materials, distilled notes and slides from each break-out group, media from the event, and more!
THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS
Director Kasim Yarn, RI Office of Veterans Affairs
“This work - it takes all of us. Our size is our strength”
Event Stats
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225+
Rhode Island community members attended the event
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75+
Rhode Island organizations participated in the event
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30
Partner organizations had tables sharing valuable information and resources
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5
Break-out groups working on plans to elevate 988 legislatively, publicly, and in the Rhode Island community
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30+
Amazing interns and volunteers that helped plan, put together, and worked the event
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1
Exceptional community event that brought together the right people to continue the great 988 work we do in RI
Break-out Group Materials
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This group discussed local 988 community engagement work sharing successes and challenges for spreading the word about 988 within the community. The group will also discuss initial planning ideas for the upcoming 988 Day on September 8th.
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This group discussed the integration of 988 in support of the work of the local CCBHCs and other crisis points. The group also discussed the successes and challenges surrounding this integration and pinpoint areas for improvement and where work is needed moving forward.
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This group discussed the integration of local first responders including police, fire and rescue with the 988 Crisis Lifeline. The group also discussed the successes and challenges surrounding this integration and pinpoint areas for improvement and where work is needed moving forward.
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This group discussed the current 988 Crisis Lifeline bill that has been introduced in the RI State Legislature. The group also discussed the work that needs to be done to ensure that the 988 bill is passed this legislative session. Ways to be involved were discussed including sharing tools to make advocacy easier.
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This group discussed the public awareness/marketing and media efforts to highlight the 988 Crisis Lifeline here in Rhode Island. Facilitators shared the public awareness efforts to date and discuss the plans for an upcoming summer/fall campaign. Additionally, the group discussed public awareness efforts needed for the 988 Day on September 8th.
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Get 988 materials for your organization!
Email our outreach team at 988RICommunity@gmail.com to get started!
The numbers are in!
Check out the 988 RI Data Dashboard
RI Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) has developed a dashboard using data reported by Vibrant, the national administrator of 988 as well as our call center here in RI.