2026 -- H 8570

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LC006043

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 22, 2026, AS "RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Voas,
Stewart, Alzate, Potter, Diaz, and Kislak

     Date Introduced: May 21, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, For over fifty years, Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers have

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provided high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary medical, dental, and behavioral

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healthcare to residents across the State; and

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     WHEREAS, Qualified Rhode Island Community Health Centers provide care to more

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than 200,000 Rhode Islanders annually, regardless of a person’s age, insurance status, or ability to

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pay; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition, some Centers offer language interpretation and translation, as

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well as transportation and case management; and

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     WHEREAS, Community Health Centers employ more than 2,000 physicians, nurse

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practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, behavioral health providers, and support staff; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's Community Health Centers create and support more than

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3,000 jobs and generate more than $540 million in total economic activity; and

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     WHEREAS, The eight Community Health Centers providing services in all five Rhode

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Island counties are:

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     • Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc.;

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     • East Bay Community Action Program;

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     • Providence Community Health Centers;

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     • Thundermist Health Center;

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     • Comprehensive Community Action Program;

 

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     • Tri-Town Community Action Agency;

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     • WellOne Primary Medical & Dental Care; and

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     • Wood River Health; and

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     WHEREAS, Community Health Centers are governed by patient-majority boards,

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ensuring the health centers hear and meet the needs of the patients and communities they serve;

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and

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     WHEREAS, May 22, 2026, is a day to celebrate the legacy of Rhode Island’s

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Community Health Centers, and their vital role in shaping the past, present, and future of Rhode

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Island’s healthcare system; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

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proclaims May 22, 2026, as “Rhode Island Community Health Center Day”; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Blackstone Valley Community Health Care,

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Inc., East Bay Community Action Program, Providence Community Health Centers, Thundermist

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Health Center, Comprehensive Community Action Program, Tri-Town Community Action

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Agency, WellOne Primary Medical & Dental Care, and Wood River Health.

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LC006043

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