Posted: Friday, May 01, 2015

The Providence Center and other community agencies marked the start of Mental Health Month with a ceremony at the Rhode Island State House.

The event included remarks from Maria Montanaro, director of the RI Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, and acting director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families, Kevin Aucoin. NBC10 anchor Barbara Morse Silva served as master of ceremonies. The crowd also heard the recovery story of Brittany Silva, who has overcome depression and substance use and now looks forwarod to a career in the mental health field. Two local police officers were honored as "Mental Health Heroes" for their work in the community.

The kick off was organized by a committee lead by the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island which included representatives from The Providence Center, other community behavioral health providers and advocates. 

Click here for NBC10's coverage of the event.