PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — This is the 110th anniversary of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental health and substance use disorders.
They, along with partners, present this annual event to honor those making a difference in this field. And, to share stories.
“Nobody chooses to have a mental illness, no one. I didn’t decide that I was gonna become a drug addict when I got older,” said Ines Garcia, sharing her story at the Rhode Island State House as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
At this annual event, leaders make a pledge to push harder for more resources that promise to save more lives. (WJAR)
From those who are rising out of the ashes, like Garcia, to the executive director of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island.
“I could not think myself out of my depression,” said Lauri-Marie Pisciotta. “I became severely clinically depressed. I cried myself to sleep every night. It’s hard to explain to someone who’s never experienced that, what that emotional pain feels like.”
The stories shared at the Rhode Island State House– different, yet the same.
“More than 200,000 Rhode Islanders live with a mental health condition, nearly half of adults last year who needed care did not receive treatment,” said Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo.
He was among the many advocates and state leaders, who came together to celebrate those who are making a difference like former Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and Rhode Island state Sen. Linda Ujifusa.
Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo spoke at the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island’s event at the State House. (WJAR)
Karen Jeffreys awarded the Mental Health Hero Award.
At this annual event, they make a pledge to push harder for more resources that promise to save more lives.
“Rhode Islanders deserve care they can actually access,” said Amo.
If you are someone in crisis a good place to start is by calling 988, the crisis and suicide prevention hotline.
These calls are answered by trained counselors.