Here’s what’s happening in health care in Rhode Island:
- Opioid + benzos = deadly combo: The FDA announced that it will require strong warnings on hundreds of medications about combining opioids and tranquilizers (benzodiazepines), which can be deadly. Rhode Island’s Department of Health played a lead role in bringing this about when Director Nicole Alexander-Scott was a primary signatory to a letter about the dangers to the FDA. You can read more about it here.
- Access to benefits/DHS: The Dept. of Human Services moved its field office in Woonsocket to 800 Clinton Street. That office will have limited services until their transition is complete. According to DHS spokeswoman Sophie O’Connell, “During this time, some customers may be referred to field offices in Providence or Pawtucket for faster service. We understand that this may be frustrating, and are asking for everyone’s patience through this transition. Customers are encouraged to call DHS Information Line ahead of time for questions about where to seek services so they can be helped most quickly (1-855-MY-RIDHS). The new location expected to be fully operational by mid-September.”
- Recovery Month: Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3:30 pm at the State House, Gov. Gina Raimondo will officially kick off Recovery Month with Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals Acting Director Rebecca Boss, Fr. Dave Martins (ED, RICares) and Michelle Harter (Manager, Anchor Recovery Community Centers). The annual Rally4Recovery takes place on Saturday, September 17th at Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
