Provider Profiles

          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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

The Partnership for Success (PFS) grant aims to reduce rates of underage drinking among individuals ages 12–20 through a variety of evidence-based programs. One such program is the Text-A-Tip initiative, which the East Bay Regional Coalition (Region 5) has implemented...

In April 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new national program standards that would ban the production and sale of menthol cigarettes. In this interview, Kirsten Skelly, Program Manager for the Rhode Island Department of Health Tobacco...

After retiring from a long and successful career as a healthcare executive, Richard Charest accepted the position of Director of the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) in June, 2021. In this interview, BHDDH...