Long-term behavioral unit at Our Lady of Fatima could free up short-term, acute care at RI hospitals

A group of people holding hands on top of a couch.

Governor Dan McKee submitted a budget amendment recommending approximately $4.3 million in state funds to enhance behavioral health services at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Specifically, this funding will position the state to request approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a new Medicaid reimbursement rate structure that would support a…

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GriefSPEAK: Time – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A silver pocket watch hanging from a chain.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer, grief and grieving “We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams. “ (Jeremy Irons) “We kill time. We save time. We rob and get robbed of time, we lose time, and we have all the time in…

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May is Mental Health Month. Just doing nothing is one key to mental health – Mary T. O’Sullivan

Woman waiting in front of passing train.

by Mary T. O’Sullivan, MSOL, contributing writer on business leadership and trends “…we have an opportunity and the power to make workplaces engines for mental health and well-being.”– former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD Workplace challenges still plague many organizations. The burden of creating change across the organization, especially in the post pandemic years,…

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GriefSPEAK: Larry’s Lament – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Doctor consulting with a soldier in uniform.

By Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD – contributing writer The story of an unsuccessful suicide attempt Larry was tired. Tired of living. He was 55 years old, and his successful 33-year-old business was going downhill, there were problems at home and alcohol wasn’t the solution anymore. But Larry had a plan – a plan to end…

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GriefSPEAK: Collectively, we grieve – Mari Nardolillo Dias

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer We board a bus we board a plane. In some cases, we have only a name. Of the one behind the steering wheel. With only a voice we know that they’re real. On faith we’re in their capable hands Not really knowing all of God’s plans.  Safe travels…

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GriefSPEAK: The New Year Resolution that almost wasn’t – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A statue of an angel with hands in prayer.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer on grief and grieving Carmella had one goal, one resolution. Nothing lofty like many New Year resolutions, yet powerful and significant to her. A fingerprint. To be more exact, her deceased husband’s thumbprint. Carmella’s husband Joaquim passed gently without a sound. She planned to have a wake with…

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Election anxiety could be ruining family relationships – forever

Silhouette couple sharing umbrella on beach.

As the 2024 presidential election heats up, families across the U.S. are experiencing heightened levels of stress. A new survey from Secret Nature reveals that election anxiety is doing more than just causing personal discomfort—it’s straining family relationships in profound ways. Experts warn that without proper management, this stress could have lasting impacts on relationships, even after…

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GriefSPEAK: Everything old is new again? – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Family flying kite in sunset field.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD – contributing writer on grief, grieving I suspect that many of you are familiar with this phrase. Is it true? Current fashion trends indicate that it may be, as it is with other facets of society. Today’s client bemoaned this adage, stating that “I only wish some cultural and American…

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