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Grading the States 2009 Report Card: Rhode Island
In 2006, Rhode Island’s mental health care system received a grade of C. Three years later, the grade remains the same. More than a decade ago, Rhode Island had one of the best mental health systems in the country. In the face of severe economic distress, however, the state is moving to cut social services. Full narrative (PDF).
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Health Promotion and Measurement: D 25% of Total Grade
Basic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices,
emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.
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Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: C 45% of Total Grade
A variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.
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Consumer & Family Empowerment: D 15% of Total Grade
Includes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the
state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.
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Community Integration and Social Inclusion: D 15% of Total Grade
Includes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.
Innovations
- Expansion of ACT and certified clubhouses
- Web-based information "network of care"
- "211" telephone access to mental heath care
Urgent Needs
- Increased training for police
- Mental health services for people without insurance
- Access to a continuum of supportive housing and treatment options
- Adequate inpatient capacity
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"The best thing about the public mental health system in RI is the people . . . they care. They want to figure out how they can give the best care to Rhode Islanders despite hard economic times."
"Very difficult to get into the system ... Waiting periods are long."
"Few hospital beds, few doctors, no housing, no central location for services, no dollars."
