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

Everytown Brown University Community Support Call: On Friday, December 19 from 12:00-1:00pm ET, join a virtual call designed to acknowledge the recent tragedy, share information on how trauma from the incident may impact you, and share resources and strategies to care for yourself and your loved ones. Participation is free and open to anyone who has been personally impacted by the shooting. This may include people who witnessed the shooting, loved ones of people directly impacted by the shooting, and broader community members navigating the trauma of the tragedy. Click here to register. Directions on how to join the virtual zoom call will be sent to your email after you register. 

How You Can Help

Make a Financial Contribution 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.

The Providence Center provides specially trained crisis staff and supportive services. Open 8:00am–4:30pm Monday through Friday at TPC Center for Child and Adolescent Services, 520 Hope Street in Providence. For the 24/7 crisis line call 401-274-7111.

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 

Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime:  

  •  VictimConnect is an OVC-funded service that offers confidential assistance to victims of crime. Trained specialists are available to help you locate services in your area, including mental health counseling, legal services, and more. Contact VictimConnect, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time at: 
  • Phone or text: 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) 
  • Chat: https://victimconnect.org/get-help/victimconnect-chat 

General Disaster Response and Recovery Information  

This tip sheet is also available in Spanish.  

Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life

This tip sheet is available in Spanish.   

The resource is available in Spanish and several other languages:  

Resources for Children, Youth, Parents and Other Caregivers, and Schools  

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