RIPIN’s Shamus Durac outlines challenges facing health centers as HR-1 drives coverage losses, and highlights state-based solutions for local policy makers, including the Individual Market Affordability Act and the Protect Our Healthcare Act.
🎉 You’re invited! Join us as we celebrate 35 years of community at RIPIN’s Birthday Party on Saturday, May 30 from 5:30–8 PM at the Providence Children’s Museum.
Free to attend. Donations welcome.
RSVP: givebutter.com/RIPINBirthdayParty
As part of RIPIN’s 35th anniversary, we’re sharing stories that highlight how RIPIN helps Rhode Islanders build skills and find support. This month’s focus: Healthy Aging
Watch how Henrine found tools, confidence, and community — gaining skills that helped her reclaim control over her well‑being.
Since 2017, RIPIN has had 885,000+ interactions with Rhode Islanders. And that’s only since we started counting. RIPIN has been serving RI since 1991.
Today is #401Gives. If you believe every Rhode Islander deserves steady support, we invite you to give.
🔗 401gives.org/organizations/ripin
As March comes to a close, we’re wrapping up our spotlight on RIPIN’s Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program — where real people answer the phone and walk alongside Rhode Islanders through complex systems.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the RIPIN Reunion to celebrate 35 years of community and impact. It meant so much to reconnect and honor the people who have shaped RIPIN along the way.
Next up is our Community Birthday Party!
📅 May 30 | 📍 Providence Children’s Museum | 🩵Family-friendly
On Monday, Senate Finance Committee Chair Lou DiPalma helped @weareripin.bsky.social celebrate the success of its health insurance consumer assistance program, which has helped Rhode Islanders save more than $10 million in health care costs since 2018.
Watch: capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11857
Today we celebrated a big milestone. Since 2018, RIPIN has helped Rhode Islanders save $10 million+ in health care costs through our Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program.
On March 31, you can help support this work through #401Gives.
🔗 401gives.org/organizations/ripin
On March 5, call your Members of Congress and say: DO NOT MOVE IDEA or OCR out of the U.S. Department of Education.
Rhode Island Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, has launched a new survey for parents of children who missed 10 or more consecutive days of school during the 2024-2025 school year because of medical, social or emotional needs. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/lawma...
Back by popular demand! RIPIN is hosting the Right Question workshop—an interactive session that helps caregivers feel confident asking the questions that matter most. Join us March 24 | 12–1:30 PM on Zoom.
👉 Register here: https://ow.ly/LTae50Yc23V
Join RIPIN on March 11, 2026, from 6–7 PM on Zoom for an information session that breaks down IEP vs 504 Plans. Learn how these plans work, how eligibility is determined, and how to advocate for your child’s needs with confidence.
👉 Register here: https://ow.ly/HOMP50Yc1B0
Learn about RI Medicaid Options for Children with Special Health Care Needs! 🧒💻 Join our free virtual information session on February 10, 12:00–1:30 PM to learn about:
✔️ Available Medicaid programs
✔️ How to ensure continuous coverage
✔️ The EPSDT benefit
Register now at https://ow.ly/WyuI50Y4tpo
RIPIN is launching a free 90-day Falls Prevention program for adults aged 60+ living in RI. Participants receive one-to-one support from trained Community Health Workers to understand fall risk, improve home safety, and set personal goals.
📧 communityhealthnetwork @ ripin dot org
📞 401-432-7217
RIPIN 101: Beyond the Basics offers a comprehensive overview of how we support families across health care, education, and beyond. This workshop is intended for parents and caregivers of children with special health care or education needs.
👉 Registration: https://ow.ly/sfgf50Y4sQo
30,000–50,000 Rhode Islanders could lose health insurance under the OBBBA— putting lifesaving care and our healthcare system at risk.
In this Globe op-ed, RIPIN’s Sam Salganik and RI Health Center Association’s Elena Nicolella urge state leaders to reinvest Medicaid savings to keep people covered.
RIPIN Executive Director Sam Salganik calls on Rhode Islanders to take action to keep IDEA and special education oversight at the U.S. Department of Education.
✏️ Sign the petition by Jan. 16 → bit.ly/OSERSpetition
Today, RIPIN stood alongside @protectrihealth.bsky.social, @epi-ri.bsky.social, and @healthsourceri.bsky.social—joined by Senators @whitehouse.senate.gov and @reed.senate.gov—to protect ACA premium tax credits.
Now it’s on to the Senate! We must act to keep healthcare affordable for all RI.
The office that enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could be moved out of the U.S. Department of Education — creating uncertainty for families and schools who rely on these protections.
✏️ Sign the petition by Jan. 16: bit.ly/OSERSpetition
📣 Share with your community!
RIPIN is now accepting applications for the 4th cohort of our Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)!
📅 Classes begin February 2026
📝 Applications close January 26, 2026
Apply today: https://bit.ly/RIPINPLTI2026
As the year winds down, we’re grateful for the families, partners, and community members who trust us and walk alongside us throughout the year. Sending warm wishes for a peaceful, restorative holiday season. 💙
RIPIN will be closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, with early closures on Dec. 24 & 31.
Self-directed support community — join us this January!
📅 Jan 13 (6–6:30 PM) | What’s New? with the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities
🔗 Register here: bit.ly/49dR6Zv
📅 Jan 27 (6–6:30 PM) | RI Sibs (RI chapter of the Sibling Leadership Network)
🔗 Register here: bit.ly/44R8S2r
Únase a RIPIN el 14 de enero para participar en un taller virtual sobre los derechos de los padres en el sistema de educación especial de Rhode Island. Conozca el proceso, sus derechos y cómo defender a su estudiante.
Regístrese aquí: ripin.tfaforms.net/5131978?campaignnumber=701Qk00000Vn3pS
Join RIPIN on January 14 for a virtual workshop on Parental Rights in RI’s Special Education System. Learn the process, your rights, and how to advocate for your student.
Register: ripin.tfaforms.net/5131978?campaignnumber=701Qk00000Vn3pR
@protectrihealth.bsky.social, co-led by @epi-ri.bsky.social and @weareripin.bsky.social, is hiring a part-time coordinator. Pay is $32,000 annually. Email NHarrison@economicprogressri.org to apply.
nmd.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/epi/images/pohc/12-5-25-POHC-Coordinator-Job-Posting.pdf
Healthcare costs are climbing, and families are feeling it. Grateful to have Shamus Durac @shamusd.bsky.social representing RIPIN and urging action to protect coverage and access for all Rhode Islanders.
Your support keeps RIPIN’s services strong. From helping families navigate school meetings, to guiding individuals through complex health insurance questions, to connecting older adults with programs that help them age with confidence. This #GivingTuesday, help us keep RI supported: RIPIN.org/donate
RIPIN is built on lived experience and community connection — and your support strengthens both.
This #GivingTuesday, help us keep Rhode Islanders informed, empowered, and supported across every stage of life. Give at RIPIN.org/donate.🩵
Thankful for our Rhode Island community today and every day. Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving.
RIPIN will be closed November 27–28.
This 2026 Self-Directed Support Conference brings together individuals, families, caregivers, DSPs, and professionals for learning, connection, and real-world resources. Registration opens Jan 2 for self-directing individuals, families & DSPs, and Feb 2 for professionals
https://ow.ly/UoCI50XrQO1
