Rhode Island’s children are in a mental health crisis — and the Rhode Island House has a chance to do something about it before the legislative session ends.
Earlier this year, the House included $900,000 in the FY27 budget to support Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), a proven model that sends trained behavioral health professionals directly to children at home, at school, and in the community when they need help most. We are grateful for that commitment.
But funding alone is not enough. Two bills — H8180 and H7630 — are needed to make MRSS a permanent, sustainable, and equitable part of Rhode Island’s behavioral health system. The Senate has already passed both bills with bipartisan support. Now we need the House to act.
H8180 establishes a permanent statewide MRSS structure with 24/7 availability. H7630 requires commercial insurers to cover MRSS services, so that a child’s access to crisis care doesn’t depend on what kind of insurance their family has — or whether they have any at all.
The urgency cannot be overstated. Rhode Island has recently lost two teenagers to suicide. While no law can prevent every tragedy, our community deserves a behavioral health system that meets children and families where they are.
We’re asking you to take two minutes to contact your legislator today.
We’ve made it easy — just fill in your name and address, customize a line if you’d like, and send. A template letter is linked below and can be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered to your State Representative’s office. You can also contact the Speaker’s office by calling: (401) 222-2466 or emailing: rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov to voice your support!
Find your State Representative →
Thank you for standing with Rhode Island’s children and families.
With gratitude,
Margaret Holland McDuff
Chief Executive Officer
Family Service of Rhode Island