A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

Throughout May, we recognized Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an important topic, especially since open discussions about mental health have long been stigmatized — leading many to suffer in silence for fear of being treated differently. Right now, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one out of every five Americans are struggling with mental illness each year. In Rhode Island that’s 178,000 adults and 9,000 children experiencing a mental health disorder. As one of the leading voices on mental health, our former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy has talked extensively about those who struggle with mental illnesses and stigma associated. I am a firm believer that we must reduce the stigma around mental health care and treat it just as important as our physical health. As your voice in Congress, I am committed to this goal.

Since being sworn in, I have advocated on the floor of the House of Representatives for increased funding for mental health services to ensure that everyone who needs comprehensive care can access it. This month, I also cosponsored the bipartisan Mental Health Awareness Month resolution, which acknowledges the reality that more resources need to be dedicated to improving affordability — especially since high costs associated with treatment often prevent folks from seeking care. Lastly, for underserved areas where barriers are often higher and rates of treatment are lower, we must do more to alleviate the burden of accessing care by lifting up efforts to reduce costs, expand mental health care in schools and close gaps in treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for children with mental health disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, without access to mental health care, students with mental disorders have increased problems at home, in school, and in forming relationships. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of the Mental Health Services for Students Act, led by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano from California, to provide $300 million in funding for public schools across the country to partner with local mental health professionals to establish on-site mental health services for students.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage you to check in with yourself and with those around you. Reach out to a friend or family member and ask how they are doing. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference. And if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Resources are available, including local organizations, hotlines, and support groups.

Call 988 Lifeline or CHAT 988lifeline.org/chat

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Veteran’s Crisis Line

Remember, it is okay to ask for help. Let us remember that seeking mental health care is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Do you support federal funding for mental health care initiatives in Rhode Island?

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Connecting Rhode Island & Washington

To help local schools cut fuel and maintenance costs, reduce emissions, and transition to a cleaner transportation future, our Rhode Island delegation announced that Rhode Island schools are getting $12,395,000 in federal funding to purchase 45 new electric school buses and charging equipment infrastructure. The five school districts in our Congressional District that will receive a share of federal funding in this round of Clean School Bus awards include: Jamestown: $910,000 for 5 buses Pawtucket: $7,630,000 for 22 buses Providence Preparatory Charter: $690,000 for 2 buses Lincoln: $2,000,000 for 10 buses Westerly: $1,165,000 for 6 buses By dedicating federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help electrify school bus fleets in Rhode Island, we are doing our part to create cleaner air for students, reduce our state’s carbon footprint and save Rhode Island taxpayers money.

On Thursday morning, at the base of the Mt. Hope Bridge, I joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse to highlight $27 Million in federal funds from the Department of Transportation to support much-needed improvements to the bridge. Since 1929, the Mt. Hope Bridge has proudly shined as an icon of our state. Due to the age of the bridge as well as the compounding effects of the climate crisis, the 700-ton cables that hold the Mt. Hope Bridge have deteriorated to the point of potentially compromising its safety if left unaddressed. The federal funds we announced will extend the life of the iconic suspension bridge and strengthen the connections that bind our East Bay and Aquidneck Island communities together.

Connecting with Rhode Islanders

I was honored to meet the President of Kenya William Ruto during his state visit. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to hear his vision for true partnership with African nations & commitment to our shared democratic values.

Energized after the first meeting of our new District Veterans Advisory Committee! I thank our co-chairs, Walter Berbrick and Sharon Harmon, for their brave service to our country and each members’ willingness to advocate for the needs of Veterans and military families in RI-01.

From Barrington to North Providence, I joined communities across our district this Memorial Day in commemorating the service of the brave men and women who fought and died for our democracy.

I was proud to join AARP Rhode Island for a telephone townhall to speak on my work in Congress focused on the critical issues in RI-01. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to hear how we can: ✔️support the care economy ✔️invest in Social Security & Medicare ✔️and bring down costs for Rhode Islanders in their golden years.

One of the best parts of working for Rhode Islanders is meeting with young people to talk about my work in Congress & cultivate their interest in government. It was a great morning at the San Miguel School in Providence today. I appreciated some hard-hitting questions from students!

It was great to connect with the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management on my work in Congress and to tour Prudence Island and the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. Our natural reserves are a constant force for positive change - they support local jobs, sustain our fisheries, & help protect our ecosystems.

 Honoring America’s First Racially Integrated Military Unit

Congressman Amo signs bill to recognize the First Rhode Island Regiment which was formed in 1778

Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to recognize America’s first integrated military unit — the First Rhode Island Regiment — by posthumously awarding its members with the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill would bestow this long-overdue honor on brave Revolutionary War soldiers from Rhode Island who came together in a multiracial coalition to the fight for America’s independence. 

The Congressional Gold Medal was established by the Continental Congress in 1776, just two years before America’s first integrated unit — the First Rhode Island Regiment — valiantly fought for our country’s independence. This bill is a long-overdue action to recognize the contributions of a trailblazing regiment that demonstrated valor on the field of battle and upheld our nation’s values of equality and inclusion. I express my deep gratitude for these brave individuals who served our nation and the sacrifices made by all our men and women in uniform who protect our freedom.

You can learn more here.

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the district office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. office: 2233 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290