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Governor McKee endorses State Climate Panel’s $2.6 million spending plan

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today endorsed action by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) to approve a spending plan allocating $2.6 million across state partners to support Rhode Island’s implementation of the Act on Climate law.
The EC4 is the panel statutorily charged with assessing state efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, catalyzing government agencies to do their part in cutting GHGs, and strengthening the resilience of Rhode Island communities to prepare for the effects of climate change. The EC4 received its first-ever direct funding in the state budget approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McKee in June.
“With the approval of this funding, we are reinforcing Rhode Island’s stride toward a climate-resilient future,” said Governor McKee. “The EC4’s plan aligns with the 2021 Act on Climate, while integrating climate efforts across state agencies. Together, we are charting a cleaner, more sustainable path forward for our state.”
“The funding allocated in this first-ever EC4 budget is a balanced distribution of funds to agencies with a good split between resilience and reducing carbon emissions, as well as a balance between direct program support, capacity building, and engagement,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director and Terry Gray. “We look forward to working collaboratively across all the agencies and offices on the EC4 to implement these key investments.”
“The transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. The $1.1 million in funding will aid in supporting the DRIVE EV and Erika Niedowski Memorial E-bike rebate programs, accelerating the adoption of cleaner transportation, said Acting State Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “Additionally, the allocation of $150,000 will encourage municipal engagement in state energy programs, enhancing their capacity to secure state and federal energy funds for local projects aligning with the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.”
The EC4 funding will be spread across various Rhode Island agencies to support their climate efforts, including $1.1 million to support the continuation of the Office of Energy Resources (OER) DRIVE EV and E-bike rebate programs, referred to by Commissioner Kearns above. Also, OER will receive $150,000 to support municipalities’ participation in state energy programs. DEM will receive $220,000 for investments in urban tree cover and to support statewide climate resilience priorities.
Other projects and efforts funded include support for the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. for outreach to the business community on investments in resilience and reducing emissions, support for the Department of Labor and Training for environmental education and workforce needs, and support for the RI Infrastructure Bank for its Energy Asset Management Program.
View the complete spending plan at https://climatechange.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur481/files/2023-09/ec4-spending-plan-table.pdf.
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Controversial songs from the year you were born

by Stacker

For more than a century, the evolution of popular music has delivered stark parallels to Western society’s progression. Popular songs and styles partake in a tangible feedback loop, simultaneously responding to and informing cultural shifts. In turn, the best tunes make either purposeful or inadvertent statements about the era in which they’re being recorded and […]

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CDC: Rhode Island remains a vaccination leader nationwide

by Community Submission

Rhode Island continues to be a national leader in adolescent immunizations, with Rhode Island teens at or above the national averages for every vaccine type, according to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Rhode Island’s immunization success is directly attributable to the dedication of our community partners and healthcare workforce, including primary care providers, school nurses, and pharmacists,” said Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH, Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). “Prevention is a fundamental principle of public health. By vaccinating Rhode Island children so well, we are helping to control healthcare costs, we are preventing the serious health consequences of many illnesses, and we are giving everyone in our state the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. With flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine to be widely available in Rhode Island in the coming weeks, I encourage everyone to continue putting prevention first by getting vaccinated.”
Rhode Island highlights:
• Rhode Island saw minor decreases in adolescent vaccination coverage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall coverage increased from 2021 to 2022, returning to rates similar to those in the 2020 survey (which represents pre-pandemic levels).
• Rhode Island has the nation’s highest rate for 13 to 17-year-olds who are up to date on their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. 94.6% of Rhode Islanders in this age group have had at least one dose, compared to 76.0% nationally.
• Rhode Island continues to exceed national vaccination averages for adolescent Tdap vaccination (preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). 95.1% of Rhode Islanders 13-17 years old have had at least one dose, compared to 89.9% of adolescents in this age group nationally. Rhode Island is also a national leader in MenACWY vaccination (meningococcal conjugate vaccine). 96.2% of Rhode Islanders 13-17 years old have had at least one dose, compared to 88.6% of adolescents in this age group nationally.
The Rhode Island Child and Adult Immunization Registry (RICAIR) contributes to Rhode Island’s high vaccination rates. RICAIR is a statewide health information system that houses child and adult immunization records in one unified system, which healthcare providers can access statewide to coordinate care for patients. An additional factor in Rhode Island’s immunization success is its Universal Vaccine Policy. This Universal Vaccine Policy allows healthcare providers to order all vaccines from the state for children from birth through 18 years of age, and most recommended vaccines for adults, at no cost. (As a condition of enrollment in the system, providers have to vaccinate patients at no cost.)
The data were collected using the CDC’s National Immunization Survey-Teen. Vaccination estimates are generated by calling randomly selected phone lines nationally among households that include adolescents from 13 to 17 years of age. Parents and guardians are interviewed to obtain adolescent, maternal, and household information and are asked to provide consent for their adolescent’s vaccine providers to be contacted. Data is not collected on every individual, so the true vaccination rates (and therefore rankings) could be slightly higher or lower.
Complete Rhode Island immunization data are available online at https://ricair-data-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/
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Climate change is lengthening growing seasons: How it's impacting every state

by Stacker

Hobby gardeners and professional farmers have long relied on weather predictions from farmers’ almanacs and other sources to guide how they start seeds and prepare for the upcoming season. Climate change, however, has altered the predictability of each region’s final spring frost and the first frost in fall, shifting their growing seasons. Stacker examined how […]

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RI Suicide and Crisis Line calls increase by more than 50 percent since 988 launch

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today announced that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline answered more than 6,000 calls during its first year of operation in Rhode Island, significantly increasing the number of people being connected to mental health resources even as the state continued to have one of the highest local answer rates in the nation.
Rhode Island fielded 6,285 988 calls from July 2022 through June 2023, a 58 percent increase over the 3,986 calls fielded during the previous year through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline before the launch of 988.
At the same time, Rhode Island was at or near the top nationwide each month for the percentage of 988 calls answered in-state and average speed to answer, meaning a greater likelihood of connecting callers with the help they need.
“Making it easier for people to call and answering their calls quickly increases the chances that they will get the help they need, and it can also save lives,” said Governor McKee. “That’s why it is important to recognize Rhode Island’s efforts with 988 and to continue to spread the word about 988, so that people know that finding help is as easy as dialing those three numbers.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline went live in July 2022, providing access to help previously available through a 10-digit national Lifeline number and a local Rhode Island number.
“The ease of pressing those three digits is leading more people to seek help, and that means the 988 Lifeline is making a difference,” said Dr. Louis Cerbo, Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. “It’s also important that the vast majority of Rhode Island calls are being handled locally, because the Rhode Island call center has services and can make connections that will help people in a timely manner.”
Legislation to create the 988 Lifeline was spearheaded by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who advocated for the importance of having a three-digit number that would make it easier for people to seek help.
“I helped create the national 988 Lifeline to make it easier for people to access the help they need, because behind every call and every text is a person in crisis. I’m grateful to the experienced counselors who staff these free, 24/7 confidential lifelines, and I commend Governor McKee and his community partners for coordinating to ensure a smooth transition to 988,” said Senator Reed. “In its first year of operation, 988 has helped thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans find help and support. We’ve got to ensure the resources are there to save lives. I’m committed to ensuring that mental health care is available and accessible, and anyone in crisis can call 988 to be connected to hope, healing, and expert care.”
Nationwide, the 988 Lifeline fielded nearly 5 million calls, texts, and chats during its first year, helping people through a network of more than 200 local and state crisis centers.
Here in Rhode Island, 988 calls, texts, and chats go to a trained 988 staff that is backed up by BH Link, the state’s one-stop 24/7 behavioral health triage/crisis center, which in addition to the 988 call center has clinicians, nurses, psychiatrists, peer specialists, and case managers who can help people and connect them to the most appropriate care.
“BH Link and the 988 Call Center is here and ready to serve all Rhode Islanders,” said Dr. Cliff Cabral, CEO of Horizon Healthcare Partners, which oversees BH Link and 988. “We are asking residents across our state’s 39 cities and towns to help us spread the word to their co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family so that everyone knows where they go can for help if they are experiencing a mental health or substance use issue.”
The Rhode Island call center has consistently been the best or among the best in the nation for answering local calls, with at least 95 percent answered each month during the first year of 988.
Approximately 42 percent of those calls resulted in specific behavioral health and/or community resources provided, and less than 2 percent resulted in first responder dispatch.
Call responses over the past year have included everything from basic emotional support, sharing of information and resources, referrals to care or recovery services, and collaboration with other agencies’ crisis responders, including mobile crisis, to reach people where they are. The important message for Rhode Islanders to remember is there is no wrong door and whether someone calls 988 or walks into BH Link, support and help will be available.
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The biggest health care data breaches you should know about in Rhode Island

by Stacker

It starts with an often-paralyzing attack on computer systems. Doctors scramble to notify patients awaiting surgery that their procedures have been delayed due to a ransomware attack. Sometimes a single cyberattack can impact hospitals across multiple states, as was the case when hackers targeted CommonSpirit Health in October 2022. Just one reported case of ransomware […]

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Oysters from Rhode Island harvester recalled following a Vibrio outbreak

by Community Submission

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is letting consumers know that Rocky Rhode Oysters Co., LLC, doing business as Walrus and Carpenter Oysters, is recalling all oysters harvested from the Walrus & Carpenter Oysters, LLC Farm with harvest dates of 7/28/2023 until 8/19/2023. This product is being recalled due to a potential link of the harvest area being to a Vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreak investigation. RIDOH is working closely with partners on the investigation.
Only the Walrus & Carpenter Oysters, LLC Farm, in the Dutch Harbor area of harvest area 7B in Rhode Island is impacted. (The other lease areas in harvest area 7B are not impacted.) Oysters from this lease may be listed on the shellfish tags as B2015-09-105. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) closed this area for harvesting on August 19, 2023.
RIDOH is working with the dealer to ensure that the product is removed from commerce. RIDOH has confirmed that the product has not been distributed out of state and was only sold directly to Rhode Island restaurants.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. The illness is usually mild or moderate, although some cases may require hospitalization. Symptoms usually last two or three days. Children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system can develop more serious symptoms. Anyone who has eaten raw or improperly cooked shellfish and has these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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From pandemic essential to the new normal: How QR codes rose to prominence

by Stacker

The COVID-19 pandemic gave black-and-white-speckled QR codes their moment in the spotlight—one many hospitality industry professionals predicted would fade in the coming years. To better understand how QR codes rose to popularity, Flowcode analyzed data from Insider Intelligence and information from news coverage and industry reports to identify why QR code use is sticking around […]

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Women's suffrage, but for whom? These 10 Black suffragists fought for the vote before—and long after—the 19th Amendment

by Stacker

Open an American history textbook from the last 50 years to the women’s suffrage chapter, and you will likely find a summary that places Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the forefront of the movement and Seneca Falls as a key location for women’s right to vote. The 1848 Seneca Falls convention has […]

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In The Garden: Plants that can attract butterflies

by Stacker

Cultivating a flower garden that serves as a serene landscape while supporting a healthy ecosystem requires the right plants, care, and—perhaps most importantly—pollinators. Pollinators, from bees to bats, provide essential support for more than one-third of the world’s edible crops by moving pollen between flowers, helping plants reproduce in the process. Among the most beloved pollinators is the […]

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27 senators are up for reelection—which, if any, are 'progressive' relative to the political lean of their states?

by Stacker

Over the past three decades, Democratic Party voters have shifted more to the left than voters in the Republican Party have to the right, according to a report by the Brookings Institution. Gallup Poll data shows that since 1994, the share of Democratic voters self-identifying as “liberal” has more than doubled, growing from 25% to […]

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State Arts Council opens arts and cultural grant applications

by Community Submission

Providence, RI—The R.I. State Council on the Arts announced today that applications are now open for grants to arts and culture organizations, folk and individual artists, and arts educators.
The deadline for Folk Arts Apprenticeships and Fellowships is on Friday, Sept. 15. The deadline for grants for arts educators, organizations and individual artists is on Monday, Oct. 2.
To assist in the application process and meet the Monday, Oct. 2, deadline, Arts Council staff members have scheduled virtual workshops and office hours throughout August and September. The online meetings will focus on best practices as well as help with budget planning. First time applicants are encouraged to attend and apply.
Upcoming Workshops:
The first Grant Workshop will be virtual on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m.-noon.
The second one will be in person on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m., at the South Providence Library, 441 Prairie St., Providence.
The following grants are now accepting applications:
–Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are designed to foster artistic skills between a mentor and an apprentice. The program creates an opportunity specifically for individuals who share a common cultural heritage. Deadline: Friday, Sept. 15.
–Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships support individual artists who demonstrate the highest level of skill and accomplishments in their craft. Deadline: Friday, Sept. 15.
–Project Grants in Education offer support to schools, non-profit organizations, arts educators and teaching artists. Recipients engage students in rich and meaningful artistic experiences in dedicated learning environments. Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2.
–Project Grants for Organizations provide up to $3,000 in support of arts and culture projects that are relevant and meaningful to R.I. communities. Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2.
–Community Engaged Project Grants offer funding of up to $3,000 for artists or groups of artists to create arts and culture projects that are directly and actively engaged Rhode Island residents. Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2.
–Make Art Grant provides grants of up to $3,000 for artists or groups of artists to create or continue specific artwork in any discipline. Projects have specific goals, although completion and public showing of the art is not required. Deadline: Monday, Oct. 2.

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Warwick among 50 ‘best-run’ cities in America, according to WalletHub

by Stacker

The federal government directed billions in assistance to local governments during the coronavirus pandemic so they would not have to cut essential services just as residents needed them most. Now those governments are wrestling with the fallout from exceptionally high inflation, including the increasing costs of services, materials, and labor. Cities and towns throughout the […]

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Paving repair project set for July 17 will limit access on a stretch of East Bay Bike Path in Riverside

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is informing users of the East Bay Bike Path that a stretch of the path in Riverside will be closed for about three hours on the morning of Monday, July 17, for a paving repair project weather permitting.
The bike path borders a spur of Bullock Cove, which opens to the Providence River to the south and extends deep into Riverside. The site is on a small bridge a few hundred yards north of Crescent View Avenue. The contractor, Hartford Paving, will install temporary signage indicating the closure at points north and south of the work area. There are two small sinkholes in the pavement that must be cut out. Then the contractor will do subsurface work and repave the area. The crew is expected to start at 7 AM and finish at around 10 AM.
Built in four phases between 1987 and 1992, the East Bay Bike Path connects India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol, covering 14.5 miles and passing many state and local parks and recreation areas. It is the state’s first bike path and is very popular with recreational users and commuting cyclists alike.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

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DEM announces publication of the ‘Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island’ based on community science survey

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is announcing the much-anticipated publication of The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island, a rich account of the data captured in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (URI) during a 2015-2019 community science survey. This publication is a must-have for anyone invested in the future of bird conservation in Rhode Island.
In 2014, DFW collaborated with URI to initiate Rhode Island’s second Atlas on breeding birds. The project was completed between 2015 and 2019 with the support of over 200 volunteers, 20 biological technicians, and dedicated project leads, authors, editors, statisticians, and mapmakers. Together, a total of 3,705 breeding season point count surveys were conducted and 173 species were detected in the state.
Written by Charles E. Clarkson, Jason E. Osenkowski, Valerie A. Steen, Roland J. Duhaime, and Peter W. C. Paton, this new resource provides key information to aid in effective land management and conservation for Rhode Island birds. The 480-page book includes the life history, breeding ecology, migration phenology, distribution, abundance, management recommendations, and climate vulnerability for all 173 species that were detected during a state inventory of avifauna in collaboration with URI. The exclusive maps that are included were generated by pairing these data with the habitat information available through the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) to predict occupancy and demonstrate the changes since the first breeding bird atlas, which was performed over 30 years prior.
“DEM is grateful for its partnership with URI and the authors, professionals, and hundreds of volunteers whose dedication along with DFW staff has resulted in the publication of this valuable resource which will help guide conservation efforts,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Rhode Island’s birds can often serve as important indicators of our environment and how it’s changing. The Saltmarsh Sparrow and American Black Ducks depicted on the cover are two of these sentinel species whose populations monitored in the atlas indicate habitat degradation due to sea level rise, informing climate change impact mitigation projects and future conversation in Rhode Island.”
This project was conceived and funded by DFW, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) Program which provides support to state fish and wildlife agencies to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance populations of wild birds, mammals, and their habitats.
Books may be purchased for $45 which includes taxes, shipping, and handling. Accepted forms of payment include check or money order. Please allow up to six weeks for processing and delivery. To purchase your own copy, or for more information on other DFW publications, please visit: www.dem.ri.gov/bookorder.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Follow DFW on Facebook and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife) to stay up to date on news, events and volunteer opportunities. You can also subscribe to DFW’s monthly newsletter here.

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Counties with the highest cancer rates in Rhode Island

by Stacker

Several factors contribute to cancer rates, from personal habits and genetics to air pollution or groundwater quality in a given area. People experiencing social, economic, or environmental disadvantages are disproportionately affected by high cancer rates in certain regions—including access or barriers to early screening and care. Cancer rates also fluctuate by jobs: Higher rates of […]

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The top careers hiring for AI skills in Rhode Island, according to job postings

by Stacker

The fastest-growing jobs today are driven by technology—and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. For example, AI and machine learning specialists top the list of fastest-growing roles, according to a 2023 World Economic Forum survey of the world’s largest companies. Rising demand for AI-related jobs coincides with the introduction of generative AI and ChatGPT. These tools take prompts […]

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DEM issues Air Quality Alert – Health Advisory Ozone for July 12

by Community Submission

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is predicting that air quality will reach UNHEALTHY levels during the afternoon and well into the evening on Wednesday, July 12. The alert is being issued statewide due to elevated ground level ozone concentrations. Fine particles readings are also expected to reach moderate statewide with some light fire smoke expected in the area. The highest ozone levels are expected in the southern portion of the state, with the very highest readings along the immediate coastline. Ozone is a major component of smog and is formed by the photochemical reaction of pollutants emitted by motor vehicles, industry, and other sources in the presence of elevated temperatures and sunlight.
The Rhode Island Department of Health warns that unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity. The children, elderly and people who have underlying lung diseases, such as asthma, are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. As ozone levels increase, the number of people affected, and the severity of the health effects also increase.
To avoid experiencing these effects, limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity and stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible, during the afternoon and evening hours when ozone levels are highest. Schedule outdoor exercise and children’s outdoor activities during the morning hours. Individuals who experience respiratory symptoms may wish to consult their doctors.
Rhode Island residents can help reduce air pollutant emissions. Limit car travel and the use of small engines, lawn motors and charcoal lighter fuels. Travel by bus or carpool whenever possible, particularly during high ozone periods.
Air quality can change throughout the day. Use AirNow.gov or download the AirNOW application for smart phones to check the current air quality and decide if it is a good time to be active outdoors.
For detailed information, please refer to DEM’s air quality forecast page.
https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/air-resources/air-quality-forecast
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

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Eggs, cheddar cheese, and other groceries that dropped in price in the Northeast last month

by Stacker

Grocery shoppers felt a slight reprieve this spring as grocery prices finally fell, after a run of increases spanning back to September 2020. Grocery prices remained relatively unchanged in May at a 0.2% increase, following two consecutive months of decreases, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. It certainly didn’t undo the two years of […]

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