McKee Administration, RIDE, Bradley Hospital Launch Partnership to Support Student Mental Health

Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Initiative to better support student well-being aligns with the Attendance Matters RI campaign

PROVIDENCE, RI – As part of Rhode Island’s commitment to addressing the growing youth mental health crisis and improving student attendance and outcomes, today, Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Dr. Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski of Bradley Hospital announced a new partnership to support the mental health of Rhode Island students. Through the Attendance Matters RI campaign, leaders have made decreasing chronic absenteeism – missing 10% of school days or about 18 days out of the school year – a top priority with the goal of improving academic achievement statewide.

“In Rhode Island, we understand the impact of student mental health on attendance and learning,” said Governor McKee. “This work is not only an investment in our students’ immediate well-being; it’s also an investment in their future success, and in line with our administration’s RI 2030 plan.”

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which is administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Rhode Island middle and high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless over a two-week period, interfering with at least some of their usual activities.

“RIDE aims to ensure that all students, and their families, receive appropriate support, especially those at higher risk of absenteeism due to mental health challenges,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Every student deserves a shot at success. With initiatives like this one that strengthen student support systems, Rhode Island is building a foundation for healthier students who can thrive in their academic career, and beyond.”

The partnership, which is funded by a $154,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will support work in up to 27 high-need local education agencies in Rhode Island. Partnering with Bradley Hospital, RIDE will provide professional learning for educators, technical assistance, coaching, and resources to support the implementation of evidence-based mental health strategies—with a goal of improved student attendance and engagement.

“At Bradley, our focus is to provide trauma-informed and family-centered behavioral healthcare for children and adolescents,” said Dr. Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski, Director of Clinical Innovation for Bradley Hospital. “Bradley and RIDE have been working closely together for many years. This new partnership with RIDE is well aligned with our mutual commitment to improving the health status of our community through behavioral health professional development and consultation.”

Rhode Island was one of 22 states to receive funding from the 2024 Stronger Connections Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program, as part of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

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