RI EOHHS

Mental health conditions can affect anyone. Compassion, understanding, and access to care can make a meaningful difference. Find help near you: samhsa.gov/find-help/loca…. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988.

In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. @JessicaZitter talks about her new film, coming to Rhode Island this weekend, The Chaplain & The Doctor. The film explores how compassion, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform the care of patients and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Download and listen here: tinyurl.com/mh6ym7b5 For tickets and info about the screening May 3, at 3 p.m. at Apple Cinemas, Providence Place, visit tinyurl.com/5mhuencb

It’s important to talk with kids about the dangers of #fentanyl and fake prescription pills. You can access free resources to help start this conversation: fentanylawarenessday.org. #NFAD2026 @RIHEALTH @RIBHDDH

RIDOH and the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) Board recognized the 2025 HPLRP awardees at a State House ceremony yesterday and also honored the critical contributions of donors and partners. Congratulations to the 46 health professionals who've committed to serving RI’s highest need communities. Learn more: tinyurl.com/5n7rfp2e Read our press release: ri.gov/press/view/508…

There have now been 2 cases of measles in RI in 2026. Measles spreads through the air and can infect up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people in the same room. Learn more at health.ri.gov/measles

Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Naloxone is a lifesaving medicine that can reverse an overdose caused by fentanyl. Learn where to get naloxone for *free* and how to administer it at preventoverdoseri.org/get-naloxone. #NFAD2026 @RIEOHHS @RIBHDDH

Naloxone is free, easy to use, and can be mailed to your home. Upgrade your first aid kit and save a life. Learn more at PreventOverdoseRI.org.

There have now been 2 cases of measles in RI in 2026. Know how to prevent and spot measles. Learn more at health.ri.gov/measles

Help stop overdoses in our community. Upgrade your first aid kit and request free naloxone at PreventOverdoseRI.org @RIEOHHS @RIBHDDH

In a recent research study, #RhodeIsland was one of five states with the biggest increase in answered calls to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the largest decline in suicide rates. Learn more about the study: nytimes.com/2026/04/22/sci…

@RhodeIslandDEM and Rhode Island Department of Health have issued an animal quarantine at the Rusty Buckle Petting Zoo in Glocester after several people became ill with cryptosporidiosis after contact with goats. For more information, see the full press release at dem.ri.gov/press-releases

Today is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! More than 50 drug take-back locations across RI are collecting expired or unused medicines for safe disposal. Vape pens and e-cigarette devices are also accepted (be sure to remove the batteries beforehand). Find a take-back site near you: tinyurl.com/2bdudsaa @RIBHDDH @RIEOHHS

In a recent research study, RI was recognized for having one of the biggest increases in answered calls to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline while also experiencing a decline in suicide rates. Learn more: tinyurl.com/udckesw8

DHS Director Kimberly Merolla Brito, staff, and community partners came together on Thursday, April 23, to hold a ribbon cutting for the appointment-only Hazard Building Office, located at the Pastore Complex in Cranston. dhs.ri.gov/press-releases…

Prescription medicines, like opioids & antibiotics, should never be shared. Have unused prescriptions around the house? Dispose of them safely. Drop off any medicines at a local drug take back location for #NationalPrescriptionDrugTakeBackDay tomorrow: tinyurl.com/sju48vvx

Last year, the Federal government passed new laws that affect state Medicaid programs. Learn about what is changing with RI Medicaid, when it is happening, and who will be impacted. Staycovered.ri.gov/updates

Some things shouldn't be shared - especially prescription medication! National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dispose of your unused medications safely. Find a take-back location near you: tinyurl.com/sju48vvx @RIBHDDH @RIEOHHS

Spread the word this #AlcoholAwarenessMonth 📢 Prevention works. Treatment is effective. #RecoveryIsPossible for everyone. If you or someone you know needs support for alcohol misuse, help is available at samhsa.gov/find-help

Today, RIDOH issued an overdose spike alert for the city of Providence. When RIDOH's emergency department data show an increase in drug overdoses, the community is alerted so people can connect with local overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Read the full alert here: tinyurl.com/4f564pu8 Connect to local resources: Get free naloxone, connect with community harm reduction organizations, find treatment and recovery supports, and more at PreventOverdoseRI.org. The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7 access trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing substance use or mental health-related distress. Youth and adults can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Cannabis products, especially edibles, can look like snacks or food to kids and pets. If you keep any amount of cannabis in your home, make sure it’s stored in a locked container and out of reach of little hands. The Rhode Island Regional Prevention Coalitions offer a free, lockable bag for cannabis products. Have one sent to your home free of charge. tinyurl.com/3x7dkc5r #RIResponsible @RIEOHHS @RIBHDDH