Pediatric Relief Initiative to Support Practices Throughout Rhode Island

Earlier this month, pediatric practices across RI applied for funding made available by Governor McKee’s Rhode Island Rebounds proposal, passed by the General Assembly, which included $7.5 million in pediatric relief funding.

“The appropriation of these funds will allow pediatricians to strengthen their practices, improve immunization rates, and overcome COVID-19 related barriers to access,” said EOHHS Secretary Womazetta Jones. “The social and economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their corresponding effects on the physical and mental health of our state’s children, cannot be overstated. We need to ensure that our pediatricians are best positioned to support the needs of all children and families.”

The Pediatric Healthcare Recovery Initiative provides stabilization funds as well as performance-based payments for  pediatric and family primary care practices to ensure all children are up-to-date with the full array of essential, preventive healthcare services, including on developmental, psychosocial, and behavioral screenings. The funding will support their ability to retain staff, implement extended hours, conduct enhanced outreach, and bring on additional family supports, such as social workers, to address the crisis and ensure all families are caught up on care.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, many children could not access regular preventative primary care. This led to delays in routine vaccinations, developmental screenings, lead screenings, and other vital preventative care. Importantly, the state also needed to ensure that pediatric practices have the resources needed to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

Thanks to this important funding opportunity, pediatric practices across RI will be better supported and able to continue their critical work supporting the health of children and families.