The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of women, children, and families throughout the state. Through various programs and collaborations, RIDOH strives to provide high-quality care and support services.
Contact Information
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: 1-800-942-7434 (toll-free)
Phone: 401-222-5960
Fax: 401-222-1442
Website: Rhode Island Department of Health
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) operates during the following hours:
Main Office: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Food Protection Division: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Center for Vital Records: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Rhode Island offers a variety of programs and initiatives focused on perinatal care to support the health and well-being of mothers and infants. Below are key resources available in the state:
Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (Title V)
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) administers the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, aiming to improve the health of all women, children, and families. This federal program supports a range of services, including prenatal care, infant health, and support for children with special healthcare needs.
Healthy Smiles for Moms & Babies Program
Description: Promotes oral health for pregnant women and infants, including dental care referrals, education on gum disease, and prevention of childhood cavities. Eligibility: Pregnant women, infants, and young children.
Center for Maternal and Child Health
RIDOH's Center for Maternal and Child Health focuses on supporting and promoting the health of birthing parents, children, and families. The center addresses racial, environmental, and socioeconomic inequities to improve health outcomes. It oversees various programs, such as the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, to ensure comprehensive care for these populations. Learn More
Rhode Island WIC Program: Provides supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding support, and health education for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children up to age five. WIC offers healthy food benefits, personalized nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare and social services.
Eligibility: Low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five.
Family Visiting Programs
Rhode Island's Family Visiting Programs, includes:
First Connections which provides short-term home visiting services designed to improve the health and development of young children and their families. These programs offer support and resources to expectant and new parents, focusing on communities at risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes.
Healthy Families America (HFA) is a national evidence-based maternal home visiting program that provides free, voluntary, and confidential services. In Rhode Island, the program pairs expectant mothers or families with newborns with a home visitor who provides services until the child's fourth birthday.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
NFP is an evidence-based, community health program that serves low-income, first-time mothers. The program pairs mothers with registered nurses who provide home visits from pregnancy through the child's second birthday, aiming to improve prenatal health, child health and development, and the economic self-sufficiency of the family.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
PAT is an evidence-based home visiting model implemented in Rhode Island, targeting high-risk pregnant women and mothers with young children. The program focuses on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being to improve child development and school readiness.
James Bell Associates
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program
The MIECHV Program supports the Rhode Island Home Visiting Program, providing voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services for expectant and new parents with children through kindergarten entry age living in communities at risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. In Rhode Island, the program implements HFA, NFP, and PAT models.
Rhode Island MomsPRN
The Rhode Island Maternal Psychiatry Resource Network (RI MomsPRN) is a free psychiatric telephone consultation service for healthcare providers treating pregnant and postpartum women. This program offers real-time perinatal psychiatric consultations, resource referrals, and continuing education to empower providers in managing their patients' behavioral health and substance use concerns.
Data and Surveillance
RIDOH collects and analyzes data related to maternal and child health populations. This information guides policy decisions and program development to improve health outcomes for infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant individuals.
These programs collectively aim to support and enhance the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island offers a comprehensive array of healthcare providers and support professionals to assist families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. These services ensure personalized options to meet diverse needs across the state.
Perinatal Providers:
Physicians: Obstetricians (OB-GYNs) in Rhode Island specialize in managing both routine and high-risk pregnancies. Facilities such as Women & Infants Hospital in Providence provide comprehensive obstetric care, including prenatal services, labor and delivery, and postpartum support.
Nurses and Midwives: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Licensed Midwives focus on patient-centered care, often providing a more natural childbirth experience with minimal interventions. The Women's Medicine Collaborative in Providence offers midwifery services in a supportive environment. Learn More
Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs are trained medical professionals who collaborate with doctors to provide prenatal care, routine checkups, and postpartum support, enhancing accessibility to care in various communities. Information on licensed PAs practicing in Rhode Island can be found through the Department of Health.
Other Perinatal Professionals:
Doulas: Doulas provide non-medical emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Organizations like Open Circle Rhode Island connect families with trained professionals to support them through these stages.
Home Visitors: Programs such as the Perinatal and Early Childhood Health, Center for offer home visiting services to guide parents on infant care, breastfeeding, and maternal health, supporting families across the state.
Behavioral Health Professionals: Specialists provide support for maternal mental health issues like postpartum depression and anxiety. The Perinatal and Postpartum Services at Women & Infants Hospital offer outpatient behavioral health services during the perinatal and postpartum periods.
Lactation Consultants: Certified lactation consultants assist with breastfeeding challenges and provide education and support. Many hospitals, such as Women & Infants Hospital, offer lactation services, while independent providers offer personalized consultations.
Rural and Community Healthcare Support: Organizations like Family Service of Rhode Island provide early childhood education and care, housing for families with children, foster care services, counseling for seniors, and family therapy, supporting diverse community needs.
childandfamilyri.org
With these comprehensive options, families across Rhode Island can find the care and support they need, from specialized medical providers to community-based services, ensuring a safe and healthy start for both parents and babies.
Rhode Island offers various childbirth options to accommodate the preferences and needs of expectant families, ranging from hospital-based care to home birth services.
Hospitals:
Several hospitals in Rhode Island provide family-centered maternity care, emphasizing comfort and personalized experiences:
Birth Centers:
Currently, Rhode Island does not have standalone birth centers. Learn More. However, hospitals like Women & Infants Hospital offer alternative birthing options within their facilities
Alternative Birthing Center at Women & Infants Hospital: Provides a home-like setting for women with low-risk pregnancies who desire minimal intervention during childbirth.
Home Births:
Licensed midwives in Rhode Island offer home birth options for families preferring a private and familiar setting.
Rhode Island Birth: Connects expectant families with licensed midwives providing home birth care, offering information and resources about birthing at home in the community.
South Shore Home Birth Midwifery: Serves Rhode Island and surrounding areas, offering home birth services with experienced midwives.
Birth Care Midwifery: Provides home birth services with over 22 years of midwifery experience, including birth center, home birth, and hospital settings.
These options ensure that families in Rhode Island can choose the childbirth setting that best aligns with their preferences and needs, supported by experienced healthcare professionals.
Rhode Island offers various health insurance options to cover pregnancy and childbirth care, including Medicaid programs, employer-sponsored plans, private insurance, and additional assistance programs. Here's an overview:
1. State Plans and Programs
a. RIte Care (Medicaid Managed Care): Rhode Island's Medicaid managed care program, RIte Care, provides health coverage for low-income pregnant individuals, families with children, and children under age 19. Covered services include prenatal and postpartum care, delivery services, hospital stays, and infant care up to one year after birth. Eligibility is based on income and household size:
Pregnant women: Income up to 253% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Parents with children under age 18: Income up to 133% of the FPL.
Children up to age 19: Income up to 261% of the FPL.
There is no cost for families or children who enroll in a RIte Care health plan. Families can apply for health coverage online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Learn More
b. RIte Share (Premium Assistance Program):
RIte Share is Rhode Island's Premium Assistance Program that helps eligible families pay for an employer's health insurance plan. The state covers all or part of the cost for employee health insurance coverage, ensuring access to necessary maternal and child health services
c. Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Rhode Island provides medical assistance to pregnant individuals under age 19 whose household income exceeds the age-specific income standard for Medicaid participation. This program ensures that younger pregnant individuals have access to necessary prenatal and postpartum care. Learn More
d. Extended Postpartum Coverage: Rhode Island has extended Medicaid and CHIP coverage to provide 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage to individuals enrolled in these programs. This extension aims to ensure comprehensive care during the critical postpartum period. Learn More
e. Special Enrollment Period During Pregnancy: Rhode Island legislation allows for a special insurance enrollment period during pregnancy, ensuring that pregnant individuals have timely access to prenatal care. This initiative aligns Rhode Island with states like Vermont, New York, and California in providing this essential coverage
f. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island: This plan offers high-quality health coverage for children, families, pregnant women, and adults eligible for Medicaid through the state. Their plans include preventive care, a broad provider network, and member rewards. Additionally, they have partnered with the Business Innovation Factory on the LunaYou initiative to improve maternal health outcomes. Learn More
2. Employer-Sponsored Plans
Many employers in Rhode Island offer health insurance that includes maternity and newborn care. Coverage typically encompasses prenatal visits, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. It's advisable to review your employer's health plan details or consult the human resources department for specific coverage information.
3. Health Insurance Marketplace
HealthSource RI is the state's health insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance, often at federally subsidized rates. All plans offered through HealthSource RI include essential health benefits such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room visits, and prescriptions. Financial assistance may be available to help pay for monthly premiums or medical care.
4. Private/Individual Insurance Plans
Private health insurance purchased outside the marketplace may also provide coverage for maternity and newborn care, though benefits can vary. It's essential to review the specific coverage details of any private plan.
5. Other Assistance Programs
a. Doula Services: Rhode Island has recognized the importance of doula support during pregnancy and childbirth. For instance, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island offers coverage for doula services, including labor and delivery support, as well as prenatal and postnatal visits. Members in fully insured health plans can access in-network doula services up to $2,400.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
b. Special Enrollment Period During Pregnancy: Legislation in Rhode Island allows for a special insurance enrollment period during pregnancy, ensuring that pregnant individuals have access to health insurance and prenatal care. This initiative aligns Rhode Island with states like Vermont, New York, and California in providing this essential coverage.
Rhode Island General Assembly
For assistance navigating insurance options, Rhode Islanders can contact local health navigators or Certified Application Counselors through HealthSource RI. It's important to explore all available options to ensure comprehensive coverage during pregnancy and childbirth.
Rhode Island offers comprehensive protections and benefits to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities.
Pregnancy and Work:
Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination:
Under both Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Rhode Island state law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees or applicants based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This includes protections against unfair treatment in hiring, termination, job assignments, and promotions. Employers cannot refuse employment, terminate employment, or retaliate against any applicant or employee based on pregnancy status.
Workplace Accommodations:
Rhode Island law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees or prospective employees related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including the need to express breast milk, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship on the employer. Additionally, employers cannot require an employee to take leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided. Learn More
Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers:
Employers are obligated to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, including those who are pregnant. Employees concerned about unsafe conditions can report them to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Taking Time Off Work:
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for childbirth, bonding with a new child, or serious medical conditions, including pregnancy-related conditions. Eligibility requirements include working for an employer with 50 or more employees within 75 miles, having worked for the employer for at least 12 months, and having logged at least 1,250 hours in the past year.
Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act (RIPFMLA):
Eligible employees may take up to 13 weeks of unpaid leave in a 24-month period for the birth of a child, adoption of a child 16 years of age or less, or serious illness of the employee or a family member. To be eligible, employees must be full-time, working an average of 30 hours a week or more, and have been employed continuously for at least 12 months. Learn More
dlt.ri.gov
Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI):
Rhode Island's TCI program provides up to six weeks per year of partial wage replacement benefits to most Rhode Island workers for caregiving needs, including bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. This program also protects job security during the leave period.
ripaidleave.net
Returning to Work with a Baby:
Break Time for Nursing Mothers:
Employers are required to provide reasonable break times for nursing parents to pump breast milk for up to one year after birth. A private, non-bathroom space for expressing milk must be provided. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may claim undue hardship exemptions, but most employers must comply.
The nationwide PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act applies to nearly all workers and gives you the legal right to private, non-bathroom space and reasonable break time for pumping at work.
Parental Rights for Sick or Family Leave:
If a child or family member has a serious health condition, employees may qualify for unpaid leave under FMLA or RIPFMLA to provide care. Learn More
Workplace Protections for New Parents:
Equal Pay:
Rhode Island's wage laws ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or parental status.
Employment Termination:
Employers cannot terminate or retaliate against employees for taking protected leave (e.g., FMLA, RIPFMLA, or TCI) or requesting pregnancy-related accommodations.
Job Protection:
FMLA, RIPFMLA, and TCI guarantee that employees can return to their same or an equivalent position after taking parental leave.
Support for Parents in Rhode Island:
Childcare Assistance:
Rhode Island offers programs to help working parents with childcare costs. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
Provides financial support to low-income families, including those with new babies. More information can be found on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services TANF page.
Flexible Work Policies:
Some Rhode Island employers may offer flexible work arrangements, remote work, or paid parental leave as part of their benefits.
These laws and programs aim to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities in Rhode Island.
Breastfeeding in Rhode Island is supported by various laws, programs, and resources to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, both at home and in public settings.
Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Rhode Island's Right to Breastfeed in Public: In Rhode Island, mothers have the legal right to breastfeed in any public location where they are otherwise authorized to be. This protection ensures that breastfeeding mothers can nurse their children without facing discrimination or being asked to leave public spaces. Learn More
Rhode Island's Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding: Rhode Island law requires employers to make reasonable efforts to provide a private, secure, and sanitary place, other than a toilet stall, close to the employee's work area, for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Additionally, employers may provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to breastfeed or express breast milk.
Support for Breastfeeding Families
Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition (RIBC): Established in 1992, RIBC is a non-profit coalition of community organizations working to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Rhode Island. Members represent local birthing hospitals, health insurance companies, WIC, visiting nurse organizations, Early Head Start Programs, public health clinics, private clinical practices, La Leche League, and research organizations.
Lactation Support and Consultants: Several hospitals and organizations in Rhode Island offer lactation consultation services and they include:
Women & Infants Hospital: Provides inpatient breastfeeding support services through lactation consultations while in the hospital. After discharge, outpatient lactation consultations are available by calling the Warm Line at 1-800-711-7011.
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc.: Offers lactation consultations in their East Greenwich office, at clients' homes, or virtually via telemedicine appointments. Their lactation consultants are all board-certified and registered nurses.
Mothers' Milk Bank Northeast
Breastfeeding Support Groups: Connecting with other breastfeeding families can provide valuable support and education:
Women, Infants and Children) Program WIC program offers education and support for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Trained lactation consultants, counselors, peer counselors and nutritionists are available to ensure each family meets their personal breastfeeding goal.
La Leche League of Providence: Offers support and resources for breastfeeding mothers.
RI Baby Café: Provides a relaxed environment for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to get support from trained staff and to share experiences with other mothers.
Chocolate Milk RI: Aims to support and empower families of color to breastfeed, offering culturally relevant support and resources.
Education and Awareness
Rhode Island offers various breastfeeding education programs for new parents, including hospital-based lactation classes, peer counselor programs, and educational materials available at clinics and online. These resources help prepare parents for the challenges of breastfeeding and support them throughout their breastfeeding journey.
By leveraging these legal protections, support systems, and educational resources, Rhode Island strives to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding families, ensuring that parents have the necessary tools and assistance to successfully breastfeed their infants.
In Rhode Island, various resources and programs are available to support safe sleep practices for infants and assist families in accessing cribs or safe sleep spaces to ensure their baby's safety. These initiatives aim to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents by educating parents and providing safe sleep options.
Safe Sleep Guidelines
The Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the following safe sleep practices:
Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, including naptime and nighttime.
Firm Sleep Surface: Use a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a tightly fitted sheet.
Room Sharing Without Bed Sharing: Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep but on a separate surface designed for infants. Avoid bed-sharing to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.
Keep Soft Objects Out: Ensure that pillows, blankets, sheepskins, crib bumpers, toys, and loose bedding are kept out of your baby's sleep area to prevent suffocation hazards.
Free or Low-Cost Cribs
Families in need of cribs or safe sleep spaces can access support through the following programs:
Cribs for Kids Program: This national initiative partners with local organizations in Rhode Island to provide safe sleep education and distribute free cribs to families in need. To find a local partner, click here
Saint Gabriel’s Call: A ministry under the Providence Diocese’s Office of Life and Family, offering free and confidential services, including providing cribs, car seats, baby clothes, diapers, and more to mothers and children in need. Learn More
Furniture Bank of Rhode Island: This non-profit organization provides free and affordable home furnishings, including cribs, to low-income families and individuals transitioning from shelters.
Baby Supplies Assistance: Various programs in Providence and across Rhode Island offer baby supplies, including cribs, to families in need. You can search for assistance programs through platforms like findhelp.org.
Education and Support
Several organizations in Rhode Island provide education and support to promote safe sleep practices:
Rhode Island Department of Health: Offers comprehensive information on safe infant sleep practices, including guidelines and resources for new parents.
Rhode Island Department of Health
Women & Infants Hospital: Provides a Newborn Care Guide that includes safe sleep recommendations and practices to ensure infant safety.
Women & Infants
Brown University Health Services: Offers information on sleep safety and the risks associated with sleep-related infant deaths, emphasizing the importance of following safe sleep guidelines.
Brown Health
By adhering to these safe sleep practices and utilizing available resources, families in Rhode Island can create a safe environment for their infants, thereby reducing the risk of sleep-related injuries or deaths.
Rhode Island offers a variety of housing support programs and services to assist pregnant women, mothers, and families in need. These initiatives aim to provide safe and stable living environments during critical times.
State and Local Housing Program
Rhode Island Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP): This federal program provides housing assistance in the form of a voucher, enabling families to find homes that meet their needs. Tenants typically pay 30-40% of their gross household income toward rent and utilities.
Family Support & Services by Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP): CCAP offers various services, including the New Opportunity Homes (NOH) – a transitional housing program under Rhode Island Works. This program provides temporary housing and support services to eligible families.
Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
Little Flower Home: This organization offers homeless pregnant women a safe place to stay at no cost, both before and after the birth of their baby. Accommodations include private rooms in volunteer host families' homes or apartments.
Woonsocket Shelter by Community Care Alliance: Established in 1989, this shelter provides emergency housing and case management support for single women and families with children who are homeless.
Providence House: Their Transitional Shelter Program offers emergency housing, engaging residents for six to eight months. During this period, the team works closely with each person to address issues such as accessing primary care, securing stable income, and obtaining appropriate childcare, as well as linking them to permanent housing.
Sojourner House: This organization offers maternal health programs, including emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent supportive housing, along with wraparound services such as support groups.
Nonprofit and Community-Based Assistance
Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI): FSRI operates four residential treatment programs for adolescent and young adult females. They also offer housing navigation services, providing referral, advocacy, and support for eligible families with housing needs to access available assistance programs.
Family Service of Rhode Island
Supportive Housing for Mothers – Child and Family: This program empowers women through education, job training, therapy, and housing assistance, aiming for long-term self-sufficiency.
Crossroads Rhode Island: Crossroads offers programs like basic needs assistance, case management, housing, emergency shelter, education, and employment services to provide clients with essential tools to overcome homelessness.
Holy Family Home for Women and Children: Located in Providence, this shelter offers housing for homeless women with children, providing a safe and supportive environment. Learn More
Other Resources
United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island: A free, confidential service that connects individuals with housing, food, affordable childcare, and more. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, with translation services in many languages. Call 211
These resources and programs are designed to support pregnant women, mothers, and families in Rhode Island, ensuring they have access to safe and stable housing during critical periods.
Pregnant women and mothers in Rhode Island have access to various food assistance programs and nutrition education services designed to promote health and well-being. Here are key resources available:
Food Assistance Programs
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
The Rhode Island WIC Program provides nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods to eligible participants. WIC helps pregnant women, mothers, and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP helps Rhode Islanders buy food by increasing their purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Eligible low-income households receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to make food purchases. As of the latest update, the maximum monthly benefits per household size are:
RI Department of Human Services
Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island
In collaboration with Point32Health, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island provides no-cost healthy meals for expectant mothers at Women & Infants Hospital. The program offers weekly meal deliveries to participants and their households during pregnancy and for two weeks postpartum. Specialized menus, including Latin, Asian, and Kosher options, are available.
Nutrition Education Programs
University of Rhode Island's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) EFNEP offers free nutrition education to limited-resource individuals and families, focusing on meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking to improve nutrition and overall health.
The University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Hospital Nutrition Teaching Center: The Nutrition Teaching Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital provides customized nutrition education, counseling, and personalized support to parents and caregivers, aiming to optimize children's nutrition and health outcomes.
Brown Health
Women & Infants Hospital Nutrition Services: Women & Infants Hospital offers nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, as well as healthy food supplementation for women, infants, and children through their WIC Program.
Women & Infants
WIC Nutrition Counseling
The WIC Program offers one-on-one nutrition counseling to help families make healthier food choices. Participants receive personalized guidance to improve their dietary habits and overall health.
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) - Family Support Services: CCAP provides family support services, including nutrition education, to empower families to achieve better health outcomes. Their team of nutritionists offers education to help families make informed dietary choices. Learn More
Local WIC Agencies
Several community organizations administer the WIC Program and offer nutrition education services:
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP): Provides WIC services, including nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support.
East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP): Offers WIC services to help children be the healthiest they can be, with better diets and growth rates.
East Bay Community Action Program
Children's Friend: Provides WIC services, including nutrition education and breastfeeding support, to nurture children by promoting healthy eating habits.
Children's Friend
These programs and services are designed to support pregnant women, mothers, and families in Rhode Island, ensuring they have access to nutritious foods and the education needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Pregnant women and mothers in Rhode Island have access to various mental health and wellness resources designed to support emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These services address challenges such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress, promoting a healthy transition to parenthood.
Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For immediate assistance, individuals can dial 988 for 24/7 support, resources, and mobile crisis response. Learn More
Kids Link RI: A 24/7 hotline offering free and confidential assistance for children and youth in need of mental health services. Call 1-855-543-5465.
Learn More
FSRI Children’s Mobile Crisis Hotline: Provides immediate assistance to Rhode Island youth (ages 2-21) experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Call 401-854-6678. Learn More
Postpartum Support and Counseling
Rhode Island Department of Health – Perinatal Mental Health: Offers information on mood complications that can occur during and after pregnancy, including postpartum depression and anxiety
Rhode Island Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI-RI): PSI-RI promotes awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers and their families. They offer resources, support groups, and connections to local services.
Therapy and Counseling Services
Women & Infants Hospital Behavioral Health Services: With a team of board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and clinical nurse specialists, they diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of psychiatric conditions before, during, and after pregnancy.
Women's Behavioral Medicine at the Women's Medicine Collaborative: This program offers specialized, personal help for a wide range of behavioral health issues exclusive to women, including mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, pregnancy loss, infertility, and mood disorders related to the menstrual cycle and menopausal transition.
Provider Support Programs
RI MomsPRN: The Rhode Island Maternal Psychiatry Resource Network is a free psychiatric telephone consultation service for healthcare providers treating pregnant and postpartum women. It aims to build the capacity of providers to screen for behavioral health and substance use disorders and respond with appropriate treatment and referral.
By utilizing these resources, pregnant women and mothers in Rhode Island can access the support and care needed to maintain mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period.+
Ensuring that pregnant women and children receive appropriate vaccinations is crucial for protecting their health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In Rhode Island, several programs and guidelines support immunization efforts for these populations.
Vaccinations for Pregnant Women
Vaccination during pregnancy safeguards both the mother and the developing baby by transferring immunity to the infant. The following vaccines are recommended:
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Pregnant individuals are advised to receive the flu shot during any trimester to protect against seasonal influenza and its complications. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy.
Tdap Vaccine: This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to maximize the transfer of antibodies to the newborn.
COVID-19 Vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness.
RSV Vaccine: The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals receive the RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect newborns from severe respiratory illness. Learn More
Vaccinations for Children
Routine childhood immunizations are essential for preventing various infectious diseases. Rhode Island follows the CDC's recommended immunization schedule, which includes vaccines for:
Hepatitis B: Administered at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Given at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, with a booster at 4-6 years.
Polio (IPV): Administered at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Administered at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): Administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
Rotavirus: Given at 2 and 4 months, or 2, 4, and 6 months, depending on the vaccine brand.
Hepatitis A: Two doses administered between 12-23 months, spaced 6 months apart. Learn More
Where to Get Vaccinated or Vaccination Support
Rhode Island Vaccine Assessment Program (RIVAP): Established in 2015, RIVAP assists the state in purchasing vaccines for children and adults by collecting payments from health plans and insurers, ensuring vaccines are available at no cost to providers and patients.
Childhood Immunization Program: This program provides free vaccines to healthcare providers for children from birth through 18 years of age, eliminating cost barriers and ensuring adherence to the recommended immunization schedule.
health.ri.gov
Local Healthcare Providers: Healthcare facilities, such as Brown University Health Services, offer various immunizations, including those recommended for pregnant women and children.
Brown Health
University of Rhode Island Health Services: Provides immunization services and maintains immunization records for students, with specific recommendations for certain vaccines.
By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, pregnant women and children in Rhode Island can receive essential vaccinations to protect their health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Rhode Island offers comprehensive newborn screening programs to ensure the early detection and treatment of various health conditions, providing infants with the best possible start in life.
Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
All birthing hospitals in Rhode Island are mandated to screen every newborn for 33 blood conditions, including metabolic, hormonal, and genetic disorders. Learn More. A small blood sample is collected from the baby's heel shortly after birth and sent to the New England Newborn Screening Program for analysis. Early identification of these conditions allows for timely interventions that can prevent serious health issues and promote healthy development. Learn More
For more information about Rhode Island's Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program, please contact:
Emily Eisenstein, MPH
Newborn Screening Program Manager
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-5927
Fax: 401-222-5688
Email: Emily.Eisenstein@health.ri.gov
Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Rhode Island has been a pioneer in universal newborn hearing screening. The Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP), established in 1993, ensures that all newborns are screened for hearing loss before hospital discharge. Early detection of hearing impairments enables prompt interventions, which are crucial for language development and communication skills.
For more information about Rhode Island's Newborn Hearing Screening Program, please contact:
Liza Then
Newborn Hearing Screening Program Manager
EHDI Coordinator
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-6146
Fax: 401-222-1442
Email: Liza.Then@health.ri.gov Learn More
Additional Resources
Rhode Island Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program: Provides comprehensive services to support families of infants and toddlers with hearing loss, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
Women & Infants Hospital Audiology Services: Offers diagnostic and intervention services for infants identified with hearing loss, supporting auditory and language development.
By participating in these newborn screening programs, Rhode Island families can ensure early detection and management of potential health issues, fostering optimal growth and development for their children.
