About Us
About Us
Trusted, Experienced Public Health Experts
As leading experts, we dive headfirst into the toughest public health challenges every day. We deliver crucial services to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities, building trust and support along the way. But we don’t stop there—we’re on a mission to transform the places where people live, work, and thrive. Our initiatives stretch across Rhode Island and beyond, driven by a bold vision to create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
The Heart Of Our History
The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to solving complex public health challenges in Rhode Island and beyond. Founded in 1993 through a Rhode Island legislative act, RIPHI started with ambitious goals but faced funding challenges along the way. In 2014, Dr. Amy Nunn, a Harvard-trained visionary, stepped into the spotlight and ignited a dynamic revival of RIPHI. The Brown University School of Public Health provided seed support to help revitalize the organization. RIPHI rapidly expanded and, by 2017, we fully embraced our independence, opening an office on the West Side of Providence.
Today, RIPHI’s diverse team of public health experts, researchers, and medical providers works collaboratively. Through direct service programs, policy and advocacy, research, training, and innovation, we promote community health and eliminate health disparities in vulnerable, traditionally underserved communities struggling to access basic health needs.
As a thriving non-profit organization, we are the leading local scientific authority on public health issues like food insecurity, infectious diseases, HIV, LGBTQ+ health, COVID-19, behavioral health, racial disparities, and much more. Our expertise drives impactful change, shaping policies at both federal and state levels, and making a tangible difference in countless lives. We’re not just leading the way; we’re redefining how to think about public health and medical service delivery.
Redefining Public Health: Major Breakthroughs and Community Impact
We take pride in being a leading independent nonprofit organization with a deep impact on public health across the state. Our reputation for passion, flexibility, and results-driven action is evident in our swift responses to major crises, from the statewide hunger crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 MPOX outbreak. Our work makes a tangible difference in the health and well-being of our community.
Mission
To eliminate health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond.
Vision
A world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential for health and well-being.
Value
We believe…
All people – no matter who they are or where they come from – deserve access to high-quality medical care.
All people – no matter who they are or where they come from – have the opportunity to achieve their greatest health potential.
As a state and as a society, we need to do more to make sure everyone has access to care and can live healthy lives.
Big public health challenges require urgent action and big, bold solutions.
These solutions must be rooted in (and measured by) evidence-based, scientific research.
Brand-new ideas nobody’s ever tried before should be encouraged because when it comes to improving public health, we know innovation works.
We’re committed to…
Serving vulnerable individuals most impacted by health disparities.
Leveraging available research and data to advance health equity.
Addressing social determinants of health through our clinical services, direct service programs, policy advocacy, research, training, and more.
Striving for excellence in everything we do.
Driving Change: Our Bold Five-Year Vision
Over the past five years, we’ve experienced significant growth, navigating challenges like a global pandemic that reshaped our work and communities. Despite these hurdles, we launched Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ clinic, led the state’s MPOX response, and spearheaded successful advocacy campaigns that resulted in major policy changes to reduce hunger. Through this journey, we’ve taken the time to reflect, set new goals, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to eliminating health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond.
Board of Directors
Lisa Carcieri
Chairwoman of the Board
“I joined the Rhode Island Public Health Institute’s Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about public health, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay woman, being part of this organization allows me to contribute meaningfully and give back to my community.”
Mark Tracy
Chair Emeritus (Served 2019 - 2024)
Venture Partner
“It’s an honor to work with a team (RIPHI) that devotes all of its time and energy to tackling the most important issues facing the Ocean State (food insecurity, access to compassionate health care, mental health) with empathy, enthusiasm, and academic rigor. Health care and access to healthy nutrition are basic human rights that too many Rhode Islanders don’t have access to. RIPHI is working to eliminate public health disparities every day.”
Peter Costa
Treasurer
“Having served on the RIPHI Board for the last seven years has been an honor. I have witnessed firsthand the great work of our small but accomplished RIPHI team. In the arena of public health and under the great leadership of Dr. Amy Nunn, I firmly believe that “never have so few done so much for so many” Rhode Islanders!”
Richard DeFilippo
Secretary
Jeffrey Cabral (he/him)
Chief Financial Officer
Peter Coriander
Global Human Resources Consultant
“Having served on the RIPHI Board for the last seven years has been an honor. I have witnessed firsthand the great work of our small but accomplished RIPHI team. In the arena of public health and under the great leadership of Dr. Amy Nunn, I firmly believe that “never have so few done so much for so many” Rhode Islanders!”
Leonard Green
Retired Deputy Director, RI Department of Health
Amy Goldfarb, MD
Primary Care Physician
John Kelly (he/him)
Medical Director
Chris Raia
Chairwoman of the Board
“I joined the Rhode Island Public Health Institute’s Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about public health, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay woman, being part of this organization allows me to contribute meaningfully and give back to my community.”
Melissa Sanzaro
Executive Director, Providence Housing Authority
“Having served on the RIPHI Board for the last seven years has been an honor. I have witnessed firsthand the great work of our small but accomplished RIPHI team. In the arena of public health and under the great leadership of Dr. Amy Nunn, I firmly believe that “never have so few done so much for so many” Rhode Islanders!”
Jennifer Tomasik
Vice President & Principal, Center for Applied Research (CFAR)
Fox Wetle, PhD
Inaugural Dean and Professor of Health Services, Brown University School of Public Health
Melissa Sanzaro
Executive Director, Providence Housing Authority
“Having served on the RIPHI Board for the last seven years has been an honor. I have witnessed firsthand the great work of our small but accomplished RIPHI team. In the arena of public health and under the great leadership of Dr. Amy Nunn, I firmly believe that “never have so few done so much for so many” Rhode Islanders!”