Mental Health Association Honors Bennett, DiPalma

STATE HOUSE —  The Psychological Well being Affiliation of Rhode Island (MHARI) honored Home Surroundings and Pure Assets Chairman David A. Bennett and Senate Finance Chairman Louis P. DiPalma because the group’s Legislators of the Yr final week.

The honors have been introduced following the presentation of the Psychological Well being Affiliation of Rhode Island’s Legislator of the Yr awards.

Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston) and DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) are being honored for his or her advocacy for folks with disabilities and significantly for his or her work over a few years to ascertain an Olmstead plan for folks susceptible to pointless institutionalization in Rhode Island. An Olmstead plan refers back to the Supreme Court docket case of Olmstead v. L.C., through which the court docket dominated that states should make providers out there to people with disabilities in essentially the most built-in setting potential. In August 2024, Governor Dan McKee signed an govt order to create an Olmstead plan, and the Division of Well being and Human Providers launched a draft plan in February.

“It’s an honor to be acknowledged by my buddies on the Psychological Well being Affiliation of Rhode Island. Senator DiPalma and I’ve been lucky to stroll alongside you on this journey to make sure that Rhode Island takes the duty to look after our disabled residents with dignity,” mentioned Chairman Bennett. “Let’s sustain the great work towards a future the place each Rhode Islander can entry the assist they want, with out disgrace.”

“I’m a agency believer within the adage that societies are judged by how they deal with their most susceptible, which is why I’m so grateful for the devoted folks at MHARI and their assist in lastly establishing an Olmstead plan in Rhode Island. I’m actually honored by their recognition, however I’m extra grateful to be working alongside them to make sure that Rhode Islanders with disabilities are cared for, supported and given the possibility at dwelling wholesome and rewarding lives,” mentioned DiPalma.

MHARI is a watchdog for the psychological well being group that works to extend customers’ entry to remedy and providers, advocate to finish discrimination and stigma and enhance the lives of individuals touched by psychological sickness by advocacy, training and coverage improvement.

“Chairmen DiPalma and Bennett have been longtime, passionate and outspoken champions for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. They deeply care about folks with psychological sickness, together with substance use problems. Rhode Island is fortunate to have two phenomenal legislators whose work has touched the lives of so many,” mentioned MHARI Government Director Laurie-Marie Pisciotta.