DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
THREE-PART OLMSTEAD TOWN HALL WEBINAR SERIES WRAPS UP
On November 17th, the Mental Health Association of RI wrapped up its three-part "Integration For All" series. The third webinar focused on how to establish, fund and implement an Olmstead Plan. For years, our leaders have argued we can’t create an Olmstead Plan because we can’t afford to implement it.

During the conversation we heard from representatives from other states that have working plans in place. They discussed how they established a plan, funded it and the implementation process.

Rhode Island's failure to plan means that people with disabilities who, if given proper support services, could live in the community, parent their children, be gainfully employed, or attend college or vocational school are otherwise left to fend for themselves, often unemployed or institutionalized, dependent on disability benefits, with little money to spend in the economy. Many individuals with severe mental illness cycle through hospitals, emergency departments, jail or homeless shelters at great public expense. With determination and creativity, Rhode Island can fund an Olmstead Plan.

*The Integration For All Town Hall Series was funded with support from
the Rhode Island Foundation*






MAKING TELEMEDICINE PERMANENT IN RHODE ISLAND
The Mental Health Association participated in all meetings of the Health Insurance Commissioner’s Telemedicine Work Group. Our task was to make recommendations as to how telemedicine could be implemented if made permanent in Rhode Island, per pending legislation. Commissioner Marie Ganim and her staff facilitated the rich dialogue.
MHARI submitted in writing the following comments and proposed revisions to the final draft of the Work Group’s recommendations.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
The RI Department of Corrections invited the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island to participate in a stakeholder focus group to provide input on criminal justice reforms. Each year, hundreds of Rhode Islanders with untreated mental illness, including substance use disorders, enter the criminal justice system because they lack treatment and supportive housing.

INTEGRATION FOR ALL
The Mental Health Association continues to Chair the Olmstead Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health. Our aim is to persuade Rhode Island’s decision-makers that Rhode Island needs an Olmstead Plan.
MHARI KICKS OFF BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
Last month, MHARI kicked off its outreach campaign to Rhode Islanders touched by the pandemic. The live webinar, "Bridging the Divide to Emotional Wellness: Connecting Underserved Populations to Mental Healthcare During COVID-19" provided tips and tools for front-line community workers to help foster emotional wellness and respond to trauma . The webinar provided an introduction to mental health first aid and an overview of available programs and services to help communities maintain resilience during COVID 19. The webinar also included a brief overview of need-to-know information on health insurance coverage for mental health services.
PROVIDENCE JOURNAL PUBLISHES LATEST EDITORIAL
"This holiday season, many families are missing loved ones who are incarcerated for the crime of having an untreated serious mental illness. In Rhode Island, 15% to 20% of inmates have schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, brief psychotic disorder and substance use disorder."

"Mental illness itself is not predictive of criminal behavior. In fact, it increases the likelihood of being victimized. Many of the 400+ inmates with mental illness at the ACI lack permanent housing and support options and were left to live on the streets."
AN IMPACTFUL WAY TO END 2020
The end of the year always provides us a time to reflect on all of the ups and downs: the challenges we have faced. and the obstacles we have overcome. It also provides us a time to reflect on all that we have and why we are grateful.

The Mental Health Association of RI is grateful for YOU. We rely on community support to ensure all Rhode Islanders have the access to the treatment they deserve. As you are making your final decisions of 2020, please consider supporting MHARI. It is deeply appreciated. Please stay safe and healthy during this holiday season.

THANK YOU!
WE NEED YOUR HELP - CONSIDER SHARING YOUR STORY
Send us a brief video stating what an Olmstead Plan would do for your or your loved one.
The video should be no longer than 10-15 seconds long. Here is a sample script you can use: "My name is Jane and I live in Providence. An Olmstead Plan would provide employment supports to my daughter who has autism." Or, "I live in Coventry and an Olmstead Plan would help my brother who lives with Bipolar Disorder live in a psychiatric nursing home instead of prison."

Your story will be shared on social media, our website and with elected officials who can help us get an Olmstead Plan. Email your videos to video@mhari.org. Thank you!