Mental Health Association Honors Bennett, DiPalma

STATE HOUSE —  The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI) honored House Environment and Natural Resources Chairman David A. Bennett and Senate Finance Chairman Louis P. DiPalma as the group’s Legislators of the Year last week.

The honors were presented following the presentation of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island’s Legislator of the Year awards.

Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston) and DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) are being honored for their advocacy for people with disabilities and particularly for their work over many years to establish an Olmstead plan for people vulnerable to unnecessary institutionalization in Rhode Island. An Olmstead plan refers to the Supreme Court case of Olmstead v. L.C., in which the court ruled that states must make services available to individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting possible. In August 2024, Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order to create an Olmstead plan, and the Department of Health and Human Services released a draft plan in February.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my friends at the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island. Senator DiPalma and I have been fortunate to walk alongside you on this journey to ensure that Rhode Island takes the responsibility to care for our disabled residents with dignity,” said Chairman Bennett. “Let’s keep up the good work toward a future where every Rhode Islander can access the support they need, without shame.”

“I am a firm believer in the adage that societies are judged by how they treat their most vulnerable, which is why I am so thankful for the devoted people at MHARI and their help in finally establishing an Olmstead plan in Rhode Island. I am truly honored by their recognition, but I am more grateful to be working alongside them to ensure that Rhode Islanders with disabilities are cared for, supported and given the chance at living healthy and rewarding lives,” said DiPalma.

MHARI is a watchdog for the mental health community that works to increase consumers’ access to treatment and services, advocate to end discrimination and stigma and improve the lives of people touched by mental illness through advocacy, education and policy development.

“Chairmen DiPalma and Bennett have been longtime, passionate and outspoken champions for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. They deeply care about people with mental illness, including substance use disorders. Rhode Island is lucky to have two phenomenal legislators whose work has touched the lives of so many,” said MHARI Executive Director Laurie-Marie Pisciotta.

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.