R.I. DOH recognizes several ‘community partners’

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Health this month presented the Lifespan hospitals, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, the International Institute of Rhode Island and Dr. Douglas DeOrchis, chair of the Rhode Island Stroke Task Force, with Community Partnership Awards, which recognize individuals and groups “who engage in exceptional community efforts that support the mission” of the department.
Lifespan was honored for coordinating different units’ systems to respond to the needs of refugees, especially at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, with flexible scheduling for refugees, training for refugees to become community health workers, and other efforts.
The award to the diocese was for its Immigration and Refugee Services Program. The International Institute’s award recognized its Refugee Resettlement Program, which works seven days a week to assure the appropriate provision of health services for refugees.
DeOrchis was recognized as a champion in stroke care. •