PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is getting nearly $2.7 million in federal grants to prevent suicide and improve mental health care for children, teens and young adults.
The funding was made available in part by the new health care reform law.
According to a 2011 study by the state Health Department, suicide is the third leading cause of death among Rhode islanders ages 15 to 24, and almost 9 percent of all sixth- through-12th-graders attempt suicide.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed in announcing the grants Thursday said many people who commit suicide have a treatable mental illness, yet they don't get the help they need. He said the grants will help at-risk youth before it is too late.
The grants are being spread among four organizations.
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