Progress in Public Health & What’s Next This Summer

As we move through the heart of summer, we’re celebrating the momentum, milestones, and mission-driven work that continue to shape our impact at the Rhode Island Public Health Institute.

From showing up loud and proud during Pride Month to making real strides in HIV prevention and advocating for evidence-based care, the past few months have reminded us why we do this work and just how far we’ve come together.

In this issue, we’re highlighting our Pride events, exciting updates in HIV prevention, recent media coverage featuring our leadership, and a look ahead at the progress we’re making toward health equity across Rhode Island.

June was full of energy, connection, and advocacy as we came out to celebrate Pride Month with our incredible LGBTQ+ community.

We kicked off the festivities by sponsoring a community haircut event, creating a safe and affirming space for queer individuals to get styled exactly how they wanted, just in time for the weekend’s celebrations.

Next, we got moving with two biking events that brought health and joy to the forefront:
A high-energy spin class fundraiser and a relaxed community bike ride to ride in solidarity and fun.

To close out the month, we showed up in full color at PrideFest with a booth, a float, and a Pre-parade reception with our friends, families, and supporters.

While Pride Month is a time to celebrate, it’s also a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in the fight for equity, health, and justice.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, rode with us, danced with us, and helped create inclusive spaces across Rhode Island.

Advocacy, Action, and Impact May 2025

This PRIDE month, RIPHI is making a bold and meaningful impact. We continue to expand our services statewide and are raising public awareness about threats to our community and programs. Our work is gaining nationwide momentum and so is our impact.

We’re calling for continued investment in HIV prevention at a critical time for public health. We’re celebrating our nurses who lead with compassion, strengthening partnerships that make healthy food more accessible, and proudly standing with the LGBTQ+ community for this PRIDE season.

This is what public health in action looks like and we’re just getting started.

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This month, we’re sounding the alarm: critical HIV programs are being dismantled, and the time to act is now. At the same time, we’re leading the charge for healthier kids’ meals, tackling the rise of hepatitis C, and confronting the deadly mix of meth and fentanyl head-on.

Plus, we’ve got a bold new look! Our fresh brand and website reflect the heart of our mission—community-driven, equity-focused, and unapologetically committed to public health.

Dive into the latest updates and join us in making some serious noise for change.

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This month at RIPHI and Open Door Health, the stakes are high — but so is our determination.

From federal HIV research cuts making national headlines to bold new breakthroughs in prevention and legislative wins we’re fighting for at the State House, we’re at the center of some of the biggest public health conversations happening right now.

We’re speaking out in The Washington Post, advocating for healthier kids’ meals, and continuing to provide inclusive care looks like. We continue to stay ahead of the science that helps our community and our patients.  And through it all, we’re staying grounded in what matters most: social justice, evidence-based practices, and care that meets people where they are.

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With the ever-changing landscape of public health, it’s easy to feel uncertain—but victories, both big and small, keep us moving forward. This month, we’re sharing the lifesaving impact of harm reduction, the latest in health advocacy, and exciting program updates. From expanding access to Narcan at Open Door Health to protecting gender-affirming care and launching our new behavioral health initiative, OPEN MIND, there’s plenty of good news to go around. Plus, we’ve got a new employee spotlight. Keep reading for all the details!

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As we enter the new year, we know many are feeling uncertainty due to political and social challenges, but we want to remind you that we are here for you. RIPHI is committed to focusing on what we do best: providing consistent, high-quality care and continuing to advocate for our community. Our work will be more important than ever this year as we continue to provide health care to all persons who walk through our doors, expand our behavioral health services, and advocate for health policies that make a real difference. We’re proud to have you alongside us as we continue this journey, even during these turbulent times. Your support matters more now than ever. 

This month, we’re celebrating a significant public health victory, honoring leadership milestones, and sharing updates on how we’re addressing Rhode Island’s most pressing health challenges.

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