Monthly News & Updates | June 2025

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A Small Project with a Big Impact––and Challenges

Still to Come

After more than a decade of leadership, Debra Hurwitz and Pano Yeracaris are stepping down from CTC-RI. In a joint farewell letter, they reflect on their journey, celebrate the progress made in strengthening Rhode Island’s primary care system, and issue a clear call to action for the work that still lies ahead.

"...As we transition to the next chapters of our lives, we are filled with gratitude. We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and of the incredible CTC-RI team––project coordinators, project managers, and leaders alike. We pass the torch with full confidence that CTC-RI will help Rhode Island meet the challenges ahead. We call on our many partners and stakeholders to continue pushing this work forward."

👉 Read their joint message here.

Thank you to all who joined us in May for Deb's retirement celebration! 🥂

And thank you, Deb, for your years of outstanding leadership as CTC-RI's executive director.

Big Ideas. Bold Solutions. Don't Miss Our Annual Conference!

We were thrilled by the enthusiastic response to our recent call for abstracts for the 2025 Annual Conference, Advancing Primary Care: Innovating for a Sustainable Future. CTC-RI received 23 impressive submissions exploring a wide range of topics—from integrated behavioral health and legal-medical partnerships to tech-enabled care models, innovative workforce solutions, and health equity initiatives serving underserved communities. This year’s conference, taking place on November 19, promises to showcase bold ideas and practical strategies shaping the future of primary care in Rhode Island and beyond. Register to join!

Pediatric Anxiety ECHO® Series Kickoff 

CTC-RI recently launched a new ECHO® series, Optimizing a Behavioral Health Approach to Manage Anxiety in Pediatrics, with support from UnitedHealthcare. The kickoff session featured experts from Bradley Hospital and introduced key topics in pediatric anxiety. Six practices were awarded funding to participate, with three engaging in enhanced quality improvement efforts. 

Join Us July 15 for Best Practices in Team-Based Care: Breastfeeding Support

Our next session, Accessing Breastfeeding Supports and Services When Families Need Them: Help is Here, will explore how to connect families with lactation support across prenatal, hospital, pediatric, and community settings. Learn how to navigate eligibility, overcome common initiation barriers, and ensure timely access to services that promote positive outcomes for both parents and infants.

CTC-RI Asthma Quality Improvement Project Spotlighted at New England School Nurse Conference

CTC-RI’s Asthma ECHO & Quality Improvement Project was featured at the May 2025 New England School Nurse Conference. School nurse Colleen O'Donnell presented a poster showcasing the initiative’s success in improving communication between school nurses and pediatric offices to support students with asthma. The project was supported by the Rhode Island Department of Health and Point32Health. 

Friday! Don't Miss This Clinical Strategy Conversation With Christopher Koller

On June 20, 7:30-9:00AM, the Clinical Strategy Committee will be joined by Christopher Koller, President of the Milbank Memorial Fund and former RI Health Insurance Commissioner, to discuss the present and future of Primary Care Transformation on the national stage and its implications for our region. Questions? Email mirving@ctc-ri.org.

Your hub for recent CTC-RI programs, learning sessions, and highlights!

Find recaps and links to presentations, resources, and recordings from our most recent work.

Click here to catch up on missed content or revisit a session.

‼️ Medicaid Community Health Worker Services Update: June 2025

Rhode Island has released major state plan amendments (SPA) updates to the Medicaid CHW benefit, including new billing limits, service definitions, and certification requirements. Read more.

🤱 RI Dept. of Health Hosting Annual Breastfeeding Conference on August 7

Designed for professionals supporting lactating families, this year’s event features expert-led sessions on perinatal health, safe sleep, cannabis use, and more, with keynote speaker Dr. Rose St. Fleur. The updated Rhode Island Breastfeeding Strategic Plan will also be unveiled. Attendees can earn CEUs/CMEs and celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Register.

Providence Business News: "Health care community supportive of Neronha’s proposals"

PROVIDENCE (June 2, 2025) – Health care leaders across the state are supporting Attorney General Peter F. Neronha’s proposals to help the state’s ailing health care system. “Rhode Island faces serious challenges in ensuring access to high-quality, equitable health care. Now more than ever, there is a clear and urgent need to strengthen and sustain primary care–the foundation of our health system,” said John Minichiello, executive director of CTC-RI. “CTC-RI supports efforts that reduce administrative burdens, improve reimbursement, and promote innovation in primary care delivery.” Read more.

Stay informed on key learnings, collaborative meetings, and peer exchanges!

Explore our upcoming meetings and opportunities calendar.