Rhode Island opens mental health and drug abuse help center

Officials launch BH Link, Rhode Island’s first triage and call center for mental health and substance abuse disorders. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island is getting its first triage and call center for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

BH Link is a 24/7 facility for Rhode Islanders experiencing behavioral health crises and for their families and friends struggling to find help.

It official opening is on Wednesday.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo says the facility is a “critical step in our efforts to better support Rhode Islanders living with mental and behavioral health issues.”

BH Link, on waterman Avenue in East Providence, will provide immediate assistance and support with the help of registered nurses, counselors, psychiatrists, phone screeners and peer specialists.

It will provide services including a crisis and suicide hotline, housing and basic needs referrals, short-term psychiatric services, and education.

 

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