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5/26/2026
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Shekarchi, Ujifusa honored as Legislators of the Year by Mental Health Association of R.I.
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 STATE HOUSE – The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island today honored House former Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa as its Legislators of the Year for their strong support for mental health services and individuals seeking treatment.
The awards were presented today at a State House event recognizing MHARI’s “May is Mental Health Month” campaign.
Former Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), who stepped aside as speaker May 7 but continues to serve as a representative, spent much of his six terms as speaker working to address the state’s housing crisis, a need that broadly intersects with the need for strong mental health services. He also championed investments in provider rate increases and mental health services throughout his years as speaker.
“Former Speaker Joe Shekarchi leaves a legacy of compassionate, forward-thinking leadership that strengthened Rhode Island’s behavioral healthcare and housing systems in meaningful and lasting ways. Through his support for affordable housing, investments in supportive housing and Medicaid rate increases, and commitment to advancing Rhode Island’s Olmstead work, he helped move our state closer to a system of care that recognizes dignity, stability, and community inclusion as essential to health and recovery,” said MHARI Executive Director Laurie-Marie Pisciotta. “His leadership improved the lives of countless Rhode Islanders, particularly individuals living with mental health conditions and disabilities, and we are deeply grateful for his partnership and vision.”
Said former Speaker Shekarchi, “Mental health is healthcare. The General Assembly has made significant investments in healthcare, including mental and behavioral healthcare, over the last several sessions, from increasing access to services to strengthening crisis response systems like 988. Accessible treatment and compassionate support can change – and save – lives.”
Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) was selected for her sponsorship of a wide variety of legislation to improve access to healthcare and transparency within the healthcare system.
“Senator Linda Ujifusa has been a steadfast advocate for expanding access to behavioral healthcare and strengthening protections for Rhode Islanders seeking mental health treatment. Through her leadership on legislation aimed at improving mental health parity and increasing accountability within the insurance system, she has helped elevate the importance of equitable, accessible care for individuals and families across our state,” said Pisciotta. “Senator Ujifusa’s thoughtful, compassionate leadership reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that every Rhode Islander can access the care and support they deserve.”
Said Senator Ujifusa, “I am honored to receive this award. But those who truly deserve recognition are the behavioral healthcare providers who show up every single day to help countless Rhode Islanders navigate skyrocketing demand for behavioral healthcare and shrinking access to affordable treatment. Every day, the people who provide patient care are asked to do more with less. It is a privilege to work with them.”
MHARI is a watchdog for the mental health community that works to increase consumers’ access to treatment and services, advocate to end discrimination and stigma and improve the lives of people touched by mental illness through advocacy, education and policy development.
IN PHOTO: From left, Mental Health Association of Rhode Island Board member Sandra Victorino; fellow award winner Karen Jeffreys, former Horizon Healthcare Partners director of communications and community partnerships; Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa, former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Congressman Gabe Amo at the MHARI event.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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