MIDDLETOWN — Gov. Daniel McKee has recognized Newport Mental Health for its crisis response following a tragic June incident in Portsmouth that killed a 15-year-old student and critically injured a 17-year-old.
Richard Leclerc, director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals, presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to Dayna Gladstein, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health, on Thursday on behalf of the governor.
The recognition honors the organization’s Emergency Services team for providing crisis support after the June 7 incident. Newport Mental Health clinicians responded to the scene and continued working with Portsmouth school leadership, town officials and first responders in the following days.
The organization provided counseling, group debriefings and one-on-one care to more than 250 students and families connected with Portsmouth Schools. Support continues as the community prepares for the new school year.
“Through your ability to respond, and carry out, and follow up with those who needed additional assistance, you’re able to help a community heal,” Leclerc said.
The governor’s certificate acknowledges Newport Mental Health’s “prompt and invaluable support to the families, friends, schools, and Aquidneck Island community” and recognizes the organization’s “professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment.”
The official certificate, read aloud by Director Leclerc, states:
“Be it known that I, Daniel J. McKee, Governor of the state of Rhode Island, wishes to acknowledge Newport Mental Health Center in recognition of your prompt and invaluable support to the families, friends, schools, and Aquidneck Island community, following a recent tragedy that claimed a life of a teenager and caused injuries to others.
You demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment in your response to those affected by this tragic event. I join the residents of the State of Rhode Island expressing our greatest admiration and deep gratitude for a job well done.
I’m pleased to issue this Certificate of Special recognition.
You have my very best wishes for continued success, Daniel J. McKee, Governor”
Gladstein said the recognition reflects the shared values of compassion, collaboration and community care that guide the organization’s work.
“I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary partnership we experience with the Portsmouth School Department, local emergency personnel, and our community,” she said. “Together we built a response rooted in trust and compassion.”
Newport Mental Health operates a 24/7 crisis helpline at (401) 846-1213, option 1, and offers walk-in hours at 42 Valley Road, Middletown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The organization serves as the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic providing mental health and substance use treatment to Newport County residents regardless of ability to pay.
