4 REASONS YOU SHOULD TRY HOOKAH Zach gives you the run down on why you should try hookah, despite the risk of lung cancer.
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Week of november 10, 2014 | Vol: 87 | Issue: #11
The Anchor Newspaper
Checking up on RI’s mental state M
ental illness is an issue that affects almost everyone in today’s society, which makes the discussion of it all the more important. It was for this reason that Rhode Island College, Leadership RI and the Providence Journal chose mental health for its final Publick Occurrences forum on Thursday, Nov. 6, in Sapinsley Hall. Panelists focused on repairing the state’s mental health system, not only through funding, but by eliminating stigma. Publick Occurrences is set up as a large forum, with smaller panels within that; at Thursday’s discussion, there were three. The first panel focused on the history of mental healthcare in Rhode Island, and how the state was once a leader in providing care from those suffering illnesses. The second focused on how Rhode Island has lost its footing from the time it was a leader, until now. The third and final panel discussed funding for the hospitals that provide this sort of care, and whether or not it is enough. Dr. James Sullivan, the Chief Medical Officer for Butler Hospital, began the conversation, stating that the history of mental illness has been challenged due to stigma and miseducation about the topic. It is because of this that those who suffer from such issues are reluctant to receive help. “Mental health issues are health conditions,” he said, citing that many do not believe this when conversations about mental health come up. “Mental illness is as diverse and unique as any physical condition. There is no such thing as a schizophrenic, there are people who suffer from Schizophrenia.”
Mental Health Awareness
“The crisis to our health system is a civil rights issue as well as a human rights issue,” said Susan Jacobsen, MENTAL the Executive Director of the Mental Health see page 3 Association of Rhode
HOPE on the runway ALYCIA ZENGA
Anchor Contributor
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Students and drag queens strut their stuff on the runway during HOPE’s Own Your Own Fashion Show. —Dannie Franciosi, Photo Editor
o one really meets those ridiculous expectations of beauty that society sets these days. Or at least, HOPE doesn’t think so. It was all energy and smiles in Gaige 100 Thursday night, as H.O.P.E. put on its second Own Your Own Fashion show. The show hoped to teach viewers to not judge people by their looks
or their sense of fashion, but by their flair. While there was not a very large turnout for the event, one couldn’t help but feel the excitement and energy in the air as students and friends cheered on their peers. The event mainly consisted of about a dozen student models participating in three different categories; everyday (casual clothing), formal and HOPE party. For each of see center