SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
TENNIS, ANYONE?
9/26 & 9/27
The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI) has partnered with United States Tennis Association Rhode Island (USTARI) to host a tennis tournament on September 26 & 27, 2020 at Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket, RI. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, this partnership will help to double our reach and impact for so many Rhode Islanders. Player spots are still available and sponsorship opportunities still exist. To learn how to promote your business or organization through these sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Raxter
(jennifer.raxter@mhari.org).
RI BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION FEATURES MHARI IN PSA
Have you seen our new PSA airing across RI television networks? Hear our Executive Director, Laurie-Marie Pisciotta, talk about the importance of caring for mental health. Special thanks to the State of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association for helping to spread awareness about mental health.

Stay tuned! We will be rolling out a new PSA in the next few weeks.
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MHARI partners with the ACLU to support the increase in hiring of mental health care workers in schools. Schools with more mental health care workers see many positive benefits including increased academic achievement.

Board Member, Dr. Ernestine Jennings, appeared on PBS' A Lively Experiment to discuss the current mental health crisis we are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. WATCH VIDEO

MHARI continues ongoing advocacy for longer term updates to telemedicine regulations. During the pandemic, telemedicine has helped to ensure safe access to care. To participate in the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner's Telemedicine Work Group meetings, open to the public, click here. And there is still time to call or write your legislators. CALL TO ACTION
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL - SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 5:00 p.m.
INTEGRATION FOR ALL: WHY RHODE ISLAND NEEDS AN OLMSTEAD PLAN

Join us on September 29th for the first of a three-part webinar series. During this initial Virtual Town Hall we will be discussing with Rhode Island community leaders the need for our state to have an Olmstead Plan. The 1999 landmark Supreme Court ruling requires states to eliminate unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

This is an important conversation not to be missed. Registration is required.
FREE PARITY RESOURCES AVAILABLE
The RI Parity Initiative is MHARI's public awareness and educational effort to help empower people to understand and assert their right to health insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders treatments and services. Our program aims to disseminate information to all Rhode Islanders so that they understand parity is the law. If your organization is in need of materials for clients, you can access our resource page for free downloadable materials that will help to inform Rhode Islanders of their Parity rights.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

Horizon Healthcare Partners announces the continuation of the BHHP (Behavioral Health and Homelessness). The Best Practices Training will run until the end of September as a result of a grant extension. These virtual trainings are free of charge and open to everyone. Visit the BHHP website to learn more about the trainings being offered and to see a complete schedule.Trainings are available the week of Sept. 14th.
GET INVOLVED WITH MHARI
CREATING A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS ALL RHODE ISLANDERS
If you are looking for a great way to help MHARI and spread awareness about our work among your friends here is an easy way to do it.


  • Locate the "Create a Fundraiser" icon and click "Raise Money".

  • Customize your campaign, set a fundraising goal and begin inviting your friends and network connections to support mental health.
We are looking for a volunteer to edit videos. If you have experience and want to learn more about this project and how you can help, contact laurie.pisciotta@mhari.org.