Proclaiming May 22, 2026, as "Rhode Island Community Health Center Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, For over fifty years, Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers have provided high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to residents across the State; and

WHEREAS, Qualified Rhode Island Community Health Centers provide care to more than 200,0 Rhode Islanders annually, regardless of a person’s age, insurance status, or ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, In addition, some Centers offer language interpretation and translation, as well as transportation and case management; and

WHEREAS, Community Health Centers employ more than 2,000 physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, behavioral health providers, and support staff; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's Community Health Centers create and support more than 3,000 jobs and generate more than $540 million in total economic activity; and

WHEREAS, The eight Community Health Centers providing services in all five Rhode Island counties are: • Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc.; • East Bay Community Action Program; • Providence Community Health Centers; • Thundermist Health Center; • Comprehensive Community Action Program; • Tri-Town Community Action Agency; • WellOne Primary Medical & Dental Care; and • Wood River Health; and

WHEREAS, Community Health Centers are governed by patient-majority boards, ensuring the health centers hear and meet the needs of the patients and communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, May 22, 2026, is a day to celebrate the legacy of Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers, and their vital role in shaping the past, present, and future of Rhode Island’s healthcare system; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims May 22, 2026, as “Rhode Island Community Health Center Day”; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc., East Bay Community Action Program, Providence Community Health Centers, Thundermist Health Center, Comprehensive Community Action Program, Tri-Town Community Action Agency, WellOne Primary Medical & Dental Care, and Wood River Health.