To: The Rhode Island State House, The Rhode Island State Senate, and Governor Gina Raimondo

Restore Critical Services to Rhode Islanders with Serious Mental Illness!

Due to R.I. State budget cuts, 1,000 people with Serious Mental Illness have been stripped of their case managers. I am deeply concerned about how this will negatively impact their quality of life - and our community as a whole.

Why is this important?

My brother Bob is one of 52,000 Rhode Islanders who suffers from Serious Mental Illness. I've witnessed him struggle with schizophrenia since he was a teenager - and I’ve seen how much healthier and happier he is because of the services he receives from his community mental health center.

Due to recent State budget cuts, 1,000 people with Serious Mental Illness have been stripped of their case managers. Case managers ensure their clients receive the medications, housing, clothing, and food that they require to thrive. Without such fundamental rights being met, those who are in the greatest of need, such as my brother, will suffer unnecessarily.

We are obligated to help people with mental illness stay on their path towards wellness.

I, and each person that signs this petition, believe people with mental illness should be provided every possible resource to become - and remain - healthy. We understand what could happen when these individuals lose their support systems. And we are deeply concerned about how this will negatively impact our community as a whole.

Due to the recent loss of CNOM (Costs Not Otherwise Matchable) funding, 1,000 Rhode Islanders with Serious Mental Illness will no longer have access to their case managers. This will inevitably lead to increased rates of depression and anxiety, hospitalizations, and incarcerations.

By signing this petition, I am calling upon Governor Chafee and Rhode Island State Legislators to find a way to reinstate CNOM funding so we can help people with Serious Mental Illness continue to get the support they deserve.