I have a friend who had a no recicitation card and no health insurance. He is broke. How can he get insurance?

he s suicidal. what good is insurance to someone like that?

There is no company that provides free insurance.

If he lives in a state that expanded medicaid and the total income of the household in which he lives (not just him personally) is low enough, then he can get "medicaid", which is (usually free) health insurance from the government.

If he lives in a state that did not expand medicaid or his "household" has too much income, then he cannot get free insurance, except possibly through work. So his only two options would be either (a) get a job that provides insurance, or (b) have someone else, probably you, pay for insurance for him.

he buys insurance.. get a job and help him

He should be able to get insurance and psychological services through his college. Many colleges insist on this as part of student admission. If he is seeing a counselor there, they will help him find medical support and insurance coverage.

What do you mean he is "on suicide watch" at the college? I HOPE YOU DON'T MEAN a bunch of dormmates are making sure he doesn't commit suicide. If he is not under profession care, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY. Tell them that he is a threat to himself. The police will take him to the hospital for proper medical care. He will have to figure out afterwards how to pay for it. But that's the least of the concerns right now.
- the hospital may provide charity care (free care).
- maybe he has insurance from his parents profession

Most universities in the USA require students to have health insurance. Doesn't yours?

Unfortunately, there is a window when you can purchase insurance each year. The deadline ended Jan 31 for 2017.
But even if he could purchase insurance, it would not do any good right now anyway. Car insurance you can purchase and it's immediately in effect. Health insurance is in effect at the earliest 15 days, usually longer (up to 60 or more days.)