Curious about how Rhode Island’s children are doing in 2025? The latest Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook offers a deep dive into the health, education, economic well-being, and mental health of children across the state—spotlighting urgent issues like maternal and infant health, family structure, and behavioral health trends.

This data-driven report is not only a vital tool for policymakers and advocates—it’s a call to action for all of us working toward a more equitable system of care for children and families.

 Read the blog for key highlights and insights.

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) is a critical Medicaid benefit designed to ensure that children and adolescents from low-income families receive the comprehensive and preventive healthcare they need to grow and thrive.

As detailed in the paper, the phase-out of various funding streams, combined with potential Medicaid changes, threatens to create a “funding cliff” that could severely impact access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents. The findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative, innovative solutions to bridge these gaps.

2025 marks five years since the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented demand for children’s behavioral health and catalyzed huge changes in care delivery.  Halfway through the decade, the world of telehealth, licensure compacts and mental health apps is dramatically different. 

2025 marks five years since the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented demand for children’s behavioral health and catalyzed huge changes in care delivery.  Halfway through the decade, the world of telehealth, licensure compacts and mental health apps is dramatically different. 

The payer-provider relationship can often be fraught with difficulty and distrust, even as mental health parity rules become established. But in Rhode Island, Bradley Hospital and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island are finding common ground through collaboration.  

Discover how Rhode Island's Department of Education, in partnership with Hazel Health, is leading the way in addressing youth mental health by offering free, accessible telehealth services to students statewide. Learn more about this innovative initiative promoting school attendance and student well-being.