Strategic Prevention Partnerships in Portsmouth will receive a $125,000 grant to help Newport County firefighters, EMTs and police officers overcome trauma-related anxiety, PTSD and depression through its No Wrong Door initiative.
The funding is from the Rhode Island Foundation, in partnership with Gov. Dan McKee’s Governor’s Overdose Task Force.
“First Responders are seen as symbols of bravery and resilience, rushing into burning buildings, responding to calls that could escalate into violence,” said Rebecca Elwell, SPP’s executive director. “There is no room for a mistake; someone is counting on them every time the bell rings.”
SPP reports that 40% of local firefighters who participated in its recent listening sessions reported having a diagnosed mental disorder, including anxiety, PTSD and depression. Ninety percent reported having nightmares or flashbacks related to a work incident. The organization will work with Newport County police and fire departments.
“Behind their uniforms, many First Responders face mental health challenges stemming from the high-stress nature of the job,” said Elwell. “From the increasing day-to-day traumatic events to the large-scale incidents, critical calls are becoming more frequent.”
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, there have been at least 39 opioid-related overdose deaths over the past five years in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth alone. Those communities reported more than 226 non-fatal, opioid-related emergency medical service runs during the same time period.
“Studies show that firefighters, EMTs and other rescue personnel develop post-traumatic stress at rates similar to soldiers returning from combat,” said Elwell. “The numbers tell us it is imperative that we provide mental health support to First Responders now; there is no time to waste.”
To deliver the counseling services, SPP will work with local partners, including Newport Mental Health, CODAC, Child and Family Services, East Bay Community Action Program, Women’s Resource Center, Martin Luther King Center, Trinity Healthy Living, Conexion Latina Newport and the Newport Partnership for Families.
SPP’s grant is one of 19 made to nonprofits across the state by the Rhode Island Foundation, in partnership with McKee’s Governor’s Overdose Task Force.
“My administration is pleased to partner with the Rhode Island Foundation on this important grant program that supports our mutual goal of saving lives,” said McKee.
The Foundation received 59 applications for funding. The grants are fully funded with proceeds from the state’s Opioid Settlement Agreement.
“The consequences of this tragic epidemic are felt in every corner of our state,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are glad to play a role in ensuring this crucial funding is put to work building a stronger and healthier Rhode Island for everyone.”
According to DOH, statewide 329 people lost their lives to accidental overdoses during 2024, the second consecutive year the number of deaths has declined. Overall, overdose deaths have dropped 25% since 2022, falling to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These data indicate that Rhode Island is showing notable progress in the Governor’s 2030 Action Plan goal to reduce overdose deaths by 30%,” said Richard Charest, secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
The funding comes from settlements secured by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. Rhode Island has executed both national and Rhode Island-specific opioid settlements with manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and consultants that perpetuated the opioid epidemic, leading to approximately $315 million in funding and life-saving medication to support state and local efforts to address Rhode Island’s opioid crisis.
“We are beginning to see real results from the $315 million that my Office has recovered from those that created and perpetuated the opioid epidemic,” said Neronha. “And that’s because each and every recovered dollar goes directly towards treating and preventing substance use disorder in Rhode Island.”
Pursuant to the various settlement agreements, all the funds are required to be directed to opioid abatement — including expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
