Families First Rhode Island to Honor Dr. Gregory K. Fritz at Spring Gala

Family First Rhode Island has announced that it is honoring Gregory K. Fritz, M.D., for his distinguished research as a leading child psychiatrist. Dr. Fritz, a resident in Warren R.I., wrote a major eye-opening article this year on the link between maternal depression and the development of children. The piece, titled “Treat Mother's Depression, Help Child's Development,” emphasized the importance in identifying and alleviating postpartum depression; studies have shown untreated depression can lead to adverse effects in the child well beyond infancy, including antisocial behavior, academic underachievement and social relationship difficulties. Dr. Fritz writings have helped bring further attention to this systemic and often untreated problem in mothers. He will receive his award during Family First Rhode Island’s “Moms for Moms” Spring Gala fundraiser, on May 3 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main Street, East Greenwich, R.I.

A graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Fritz is regarded as one of the nation’s preeminent experts in child psychiatry and child mental health policy. He has served as Director of Child and Family Psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital since 1985, and has also served as Academic Director of Bradley Hospital since 2007.

Dr. Fritz has been the Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University since 1995; he also served as the department’s interim vice chairman since 2009. Last year Dr. Fritz was named president-elect of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

When asked about the Moms for Moms program, Dr. Fritz stated “I think they are doing very important work, and they are doing it where it matters. The way we solve this problem is one mother at a time. By broadening the mothers' support system, the volunteers of Moms for Moms are helping to prevent the tragic effects of postpartum depression, and are ensuring the well-being of both the mothers and the children.”

About Families First Rhode Island: Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cranston, Families First Rhode Island provides in-home psychiatric evaluations, treatment referrals, social support, and parenting education to women who are experiencing, or who are at risk for, depression. The goal of the program is to restore confidence in the mother by offering her non-judgmental support, and to promote supportive relationships within her community. The organization provides free services to families throughout the state, regardless of insurance status.

For more information about the Spring Gala, visit Families First Rhode Island online at www.familiesfirstri.org or call (401) 383-9933.