At our February 12 meeting, we had the privilege of hearing from two passionate speakers, Susan Piacenti, CFRE, Vice President of Philanthropy, and Zach Gioia, Director of Mission Advancement, from Newport Mental Health (NMH). Their presentation gave us a deeper understanding of this non-profit’s mission and the essential role it plays in our community. We left inspired and with a new awareness of the services that make a real difference in people’s lives.
NMH provides services 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring that anyone in need—regardless of age, income, or insurance status—can access high-quality, compassionate care. Their wide range of services includes crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, housing support, employment assistance, and specialized programs for veterans, children, and families.
One of the most eye-opening takeaways was the sheer scope of their impact. In 2024 alone, NMH triaged nearly 3,000 emergency service calls, with most resolved through crisis de-escalation or connection to the right level of care—helping prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and easing the burden on emergency rooms. Their mobile crisis teams respond in-person within 1 hour, ensuring that individuals receive critical support when they need it most.
Beyond crisis care, NMH is changing lives every day. Whether it’s providing school-based therapy for students or securing stable housing for vulnerable individuals, their work strengthens the fabric of our community. Their efforts have even saved the state millions of dollars by reducing unnecessary hospital visits and preventing costly readmissions. This proves that investing in mental health services benefits not only individuals but also the community as a whole.
As Rotarians committed to service, we are proud to support NMH’s mission. Through initiatives like our coat drive, we’ve contributed to their outreach—helping families stay warm while reinforcing the message that our community cares.
We left the meeting with a renewed appreciation for NMH’s vital work. Susan and Zach’s heartfelt presentation reminded us that mental health is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make a lasting impact.
Our newly formed Service Committee may wish to take a look at additional ways our club may be able to help support this worthy organization.