Provider Profiles
Telling the Prevention Story: Prevention Experiences Across Rhode Island
October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month and this year the theme is “Telling the Prevention Story.” In Rhode Island, prevention providers across the state are deeply committed to preventing and addressing substance use and mental health challenges so...
Outstanding Community Organization in RI- Progreso Latino with Cindy Montoya (June 2025)
Progreso Latino is dedicated to empowering Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities by fostering self-sufficiency and advancing socio-economic progress. Through a wide range of transformational programs, the organization promotes personal development and drives...
Excellence in Coalition Community Engagement with Obed Papp and Patricia Sweet (March 2025)
Funded through the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), Regional Prevention Task Forces and Prevention Coalitions are committed to creating safe and healthy communities through the provision of resources and...
Family Matters with Rachel Ferrara & Dr. Allison Minugh (August 2024)
One of the most challenging aspects of implementing an evidence-based program is balancing fidelity and adaptation. In this interview, Rachel Ferrara, MSW and Dr. Allison Minugh discuss overcoming challenges in the implementation of the Family Matters...
Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Rhode Island with Wesley Pennington (May, 2024)
In 1980, 13-year-old Cari Lightner was killed by a drunk driver while walking to a church carnival. Cari's mother, Candace Lighter, turned her pain into purpose by working to change drunk driving laws in California, and thus Mothers Against Drunk Driving was formed....
Cannabis Policy & Prevention in Rhode Island with Sarah Hall (February, 2024)
In May of 2022, Rhode Island made the decision to legalize adult cannabis use through the passing of the RI Cannabis Act. In this interview, Sarah Hall—BHDDH’s cannabis subject matter expert—discusses the details of this legislation and the history that led up to this...
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with Joe Ash (October, 2023)
Thanks to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 9-8-8 is now the new dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in RI, as well as nationwide. In this interview, Joe Ash—Administrative Director of the BH Link and 988 Call Center in RI—discusses...
RI State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) with Samantha Rosenthal and Samantha Borden (February, 2023)
The State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) was established in Rhode Island in 2006, and since then, the SEOW has played an important role in terms of informing behavioral health programming and prevention efforts throughout the state. Through collaborative...

BH Link
In the event of a mental health or substance use crisis, call to connect with a licensed counselor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bilingual support and medications to assist with recovery are available.
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