May 1st RI State House event launches Mental Health Month programs. Awards, personal stories.

May is Mental Health Month. Each year the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island hosts a kickoff at the Rhode Island State House. This year it will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at 1:30pm.

The recognition of the month of May as Mental Health Month is a national tradition going back 50 years. The MHARI hosts a series of events while highlight the importance of mental health and to encourage the sharing of stories of lived experience to spread hope, and end discrimination. 

The State House event will be hosted by NBC10’s health reporter and anchor, Barbara Morse. Morse and others will share their lived experience as they tell their stories at the event.

Also presented will be several awards.

Dawn Allen, Director of Special Projects and the CCBHC at Thrive Behavioral Health will receive the 2024 Mental Health Hero Award. Representative Christopher Blazejewski, RI House Majority Leader and Senator Melissa Murray, Deputy Senate Majority Leader will receive Legislator of the Year awards.

Rep Christopher Blazejewski House Majority Leader

Sen. Melissa Murray Deputy Senate Majority Leader

Dawn Allen, Dir. of Special Projects & CCBHCs Thrive Behavioral Health

A list of May events planned, to date:

Sponsors of May is Mental Health Month for the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island:

Editor’s Note: RINewsToday is a sponsor of Mental Health Month for the MHARI