PROVIDENCE – Rep. Donna Walsh, D-Charlestown, last month announced separate $3,000 legislative grants for Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need and for Block Island Medical Center.

“I’ve spoken to [RI-CAN] Director Deb Nigrelli on a number of occasions about how hard it is to keep up” with food and employment-assistance needs of unemployed South County residents, Walsh said in a news release. “Charlestown’s unemployment rate is running at around 10 percent. While we work at finding ways to restart our local economy and provide desperately needed jobs, we have to help people meet their basic human needs.”

Walsh, who also represents New Shoreham, said the Block Island grant will also fill a crucial need.

“Almost 800 people live on Block Island year round, and they count on the medical center for year-round routine and emergency medical care,” Walsh said. “In this small way, I hope this helps the center to be able to provide quality health care to year-round residents and summer visitors. Quick access to medical help can mean the difference between life and death.” •