To the editor:

I am writing as an East Bay resident and as a member of the Bristol HEZ Regional Suicide Prevention group. We are a group of community members who are working together to: 

• Increase awareness of suicide prevention

• Reduce stigma around asking for help

• Promote 9-8-8 Day!

• 988 Day was on Tuesday, 9/8/2026!

The purpose of designating 988 Day is to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the continued need for mental health support.

The theme for 2026 was, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," which reminds us that you don't have to be in crisis to reach out to 988. Whatever you're facing, big or small, your reason for seeking support is reason enough to call/text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained and culturally competent counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. Visit the website at https://988lifeline.org/ for more information about what you can expect when reaching out.

9-8-8 is a national number, but the person who answers the phone is likely right here in Rhode Island! Thanks to BH Link and Horizon Healthcare Partners, the call center for 9-8-8 is located in East Providence and is staffed by local, trained professionals ready to help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides judgment-free, compassionate support for anyone experiencing (or who has a loved one experiencing): Emotional distress; Mental health challenges; Problems with substance use; Loneliness; Thoughts of suicide or self-harm; When you call, you will receive support from someone who cares, help creating a plan to stay safe and information about local resources and options for follow-up.

We especially want to thank our community members and local businesses who are supporting the effort to bring awareness to 9-8-8. The following local coffee shops have generously allowed our team to put stickers on their coffee cup sleeves with 9-8-8 information: Beehive Café and Pantry in Bristol; Borealis Coffee in Bristol and Riverside; Bristol Bagel Works in Bristol; Coastal Roasters in Tiverton; Coffee Depot in Warren; Empire Tea and Coffee in Bristol; Tamp in Bristol; Tracy’s Cream and Sugar in Warren.

Thank you for making mental health and wellness a priority in the East Bay!

Tricia Driscoll

Barrington

Driscoll is executive director of Center for Mediation and Collaboration RI.