Rhode Island Legislators Honored For Supporting Mental Health

PROVIDENCE, RI — State Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and state Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi were honored by the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island.

Shekarchi and Ujifusa were selected by the association as its Legislators of the Year for their strong support for mental health services and individuals seeking treatment, according to a media release.

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Shekarchi, D-Warwick, the former House speaker, "spent much of his six terms as speaker working to address the state’s housing crisis, a need that broadly intersects with the need for strong mental health services," according to a media release.

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"He also championed investments in provider rate increases and mental health services throughout his years as speaker," the release said.

Ujifusa, D-Portsmouth and Bristol, was chosen for sponsoring legislation to improve access to health care and transparency within the health care system, according to the release.

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"Accessible treatment and compassionate support can change — and save — lives,” Shekarchi said in the release.

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"Every day, the people who provide patient care are asked to do more with less," Ujifusa said in the release.

"It is a privilege to work with them,” she said.

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