Newport Mental Health marked its 60th anniversary with a celebratory annual meeting at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown on February 24. The event brought together 80 dedicated supporters, partners, and community leaders to applaud the organization’s remarkable journey and significant accomplishments over the past year.
Founded in 1964 with a mission to improve the lives of those who live, work, and study in Newport County, Newport Mental Health has grown into a leader in Rhode Island’s behavioral health landscape. Today, the organization is proud to be the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) for Newport County.
President & CEO Dayna Gladstein led the meeting, highlighting key milestones and achievements, including the state and federal CCBHC designation, the relocation of several of its programs and administrative functions to newly renovated space at 42 Valley Road, and a significant growth in the number of programs offered to individuals and families in Newport County.
“As we look ahead in 2025,” said Gladstein, “the road is filled with promise, and we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and care. Together, we are strengthening not only the lives of individuals but the entire fabric of our community.”
The meeting was also dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals who have made notable contributions to the organization’s mission. Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, received the organization’s Outstanding Community Service Award. “Heather is a dynamic and hands-on leader, tireless in her commitment to the MLK Center’s work to build a stronger and more inclusive community,” says Gladstein. “During her tenure, the MLK’s impact has grown exponentially, tripling the number of meals distributed and doubling the number of clients served to over 8,000 annually. In addition, she recently oversaw the largest construction project in the Center’s history while simultaneously keeping all programming operational in four sites.”
Strout delivered the meeting’s keynote address, sharing powerful examples of the ongoing collaboration between Newport Mental Health and the MLK Center. She described a typical day at the Center, beginning with greeting Newport Mental Health’s Rhode Island Outreach (RIO) team as they visited the MLK’s morning breakfast; she would later see them supervising the overnight warming center. She also described Newport Mental Health’s case managers helping NMH clients access the MLK food pantry and arranging behavioral health services for children
and families who come to the MLK Center for childcare and support. “We are a true team that collectively finds ways to say ‘yes’ when our community needs us the most,” Strout said.
The event also honored Newport Mental Health’s dedicated staff. Outstanding Service Recognition Awards were presented to:
- Elaine O’Donnell, NMH Front Desk Receptionist
- Santino Parisi, NMH Senior Healthcare Data Analyst
- Bridget Santos, NMH Substance Use Specialist
- The J. Clement Cicilline Award, the organization’s highest honor, was bestowed on PaulSanders, a therapist at Newport Mental Health, in recognition of his exceptional service.
Earlier in the day, during the Board of Directors meeting, A. Lavaz Watson was elected Treasurer. Longtime board member Barbara Winkler completed her term, and during the public portion of the meeting was warmly thanked by Board Chair Nicki Colosi Trilling.
As Newport Mental Health moves into the next phase of its growth, it remains steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of those in Newport County, offering transformative, high-quality
care that fosters long-term well-being.
A video of the Annual Meeting can be found on Newport Mental Health’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/@NMH-RI.
