Friends Way $100K Aids Children’s Opioid Loss Support

WARWICK, RI — The the Rhode Island Foundation has awarded 100,000 to Friends Way in Warwick, the state’s only children’s bereavement center offering free peer support to children and their families, to expand its Sudden Loss Support Group program.

Children’s Opioid Loss Support Funded

The Sudden Loss Support Group serves families and individuals impacted by opioid-related overdose deaths. The Rhode Island Foundation funding was provided in partnership with Governor Dan McKee’s Governor’s Overdose Task Force.

“Children and families affected by overdose deaths often experience compound trauma and may have complex relationships with the deceased person, requiring specialized approaches that honor both the love for the person and the challenges they may have experienced,” said Susan E. Stevenson, Friend’s Way executive director. “When traditional sources of support communicate disapproval of the deceased parent, it can be harder for the child to find safe outlets to explore and express their feelings. Grief associated with death by overdose is more likely to result in long-term behavioral health problems if unresolved.”

The free program focuses on addressing the topic of disenfranchised grief, which recognizes that bereaved individuals experiencing stigmatized losses, like those from substance use, often face additional barriers to healing and social support. Data shows that children who have lost a parent to overdose experience higher rates of depression in the five years immediately following the death and are more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system and repeat the cycle of addiction, according to the organization.

“Our vision for success includes reducing isolation among families affected by overdose deaths, providing culturally responsive grief support services, and creating sustainable community connections that extend beyond formal programming,” said Stevenson. “We will achieve this by offering free, accessible support groups that acknowledge the complex emotions and stigma often associated with substance-related deaths, while fostering an environment where participants can process their grief without judgment.”

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH), in Warwick there were 65 reported fatal opioid-related overdoses and 300 non-fatal, opioid-related EMS runs from 2022 to 2024. In addition, 5,540 naloxone kits were distributed in the city last year.

The grant is one of 19 made to nonprofits across the state by the Rhode Island Foundation, in partnership with Governor Dan McKee’s Governor’s Overdose Task Force.

“My administration is pleased to partner with the Rhode Island Foundation on this important grant program that supports our mutual goal of saving lives,” said Governor Dan McKee.

The Foundation received 59 applications for funding. The grants are fully funded with proceeds from the state’s Opioid Settlement Agreement.

“The consequences of this tragic epidemic are felt in every corner of our state. We are glad to play a role in ensuring this crucial funding is put to work building a stronger and healthier Rhode Island for everyone,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s President and CEO.

According to DOH, statewide 329 people lost their lives to accidental overdoses during 2024, the second consecutive year the number of deaths has declined. Overall, overdose deaths have dropped 25% since 2022, falling to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These data indicate that Rhode Island is showing notable progress in the Governor’s 2030 Action Plan goal to reduce overdose deaths by 30%,” said Richard Charest, secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

The funding comes from the settlements secured by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. Rhode Island has executed both national and Rhode Island specific opioid settlements with manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and consultants that perpetuated the opioid epidemic, leading to approximately $315 million in funding and life-saving medication to support state and local efforts to address Rhode Island’s opioid crisis.

“We are beginning to see real results from the $315 million that my Office has recovered from those that created and perpetuated the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Neronha. “And that’s because each and every recovered dollar goes directly towards treating and preventing substance use disorder in Rhode Island. These funds are strategically allocated to organizations and agencies best equipped to help those who suffer from this disease, as well as spearhead prevention efforts. From expanding the state’s in-patient and out-patient treatment capacity, to driving down overdose deaths, and everything in between, those who are struggling are being met with real, life-changing, often life-saving support. Our holistic approach here is helping affected Rhode Islanders live full lives, while saving Rhode Island families from the devastation of losing loved ones. We must, and will, continue this important work.”

Pursuant to the various settlement agreements, all the funds are required to be directed to opioid abatement – including expanding access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery. Rhode Island’s prevention priorities are to prevent overdoses, overdose deaths and opioid misuse by identifying, developing and evaluating multi-level strategies and interventions.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.