PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has designated an additional five health and wellness sites as Safe Zones, reflecting these facilities’ formal commitment to providing affirming, welcoming environments and meeting established standards for LGBTQ+ inclusive care. 

The new sites include behavioral health programs, pediatric practices, and a wellness studio delivering skilled yoga classes for special-needs populations. The additions bring the total number of BCBSRI-certified Safe Zones to about 110.

“Expanding our Safe Zone network reflects BCBSRI’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion,” said Carolyn Belisle, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at BCBSRI. “We’re grateful to both new and returning sites that are demonstrating what it means to provide affirming, respectful care. Meeting the unique needs of this community is essential to improving access to equitable care and wellness opportunities statewide.” 

The following are the newest Safe Zones:

• Shri Studio and Service Corp (Pawtucket): Serves adults and children with intellectual & developmental disabilities; veterans & active military personnel; children in schools, hospitals and shelters; incarcerated youth; men and women in recovery; seniors; with classes open to the public.
• Smithfield Pediatrics (Smithfield): Board-certified physicians committed to providing high-quality healthcare for infants, children and adolescents.
• Atlantic Pediatrics (Cranston) Atlantic Pediatrics RI, also known as Drs. Concannon & Vitale. We are a child health practice servicing children from birth through college.
• Rhode Island Hospital Adult Partial Hospital Program (Providence): The Adult Partial Hospital Program at Brown University Health provides intensive, short-term mental health treatment for adults facing mental health challenges or navigating major life events, such as grief, trauma, relationship or work transitions, and intense stress.
• Tuliptree Ventures Psychotherapy (Providence): Licensed mental health counselor Eileen Casella Rider offers compassionate, client‑centered therapy to adults seeking support with anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and emotional well‑being.

Facilities that obtain Safe Zone designation may display a BCBSRI Safe Zone logo on their premises to demonstrate they have met program criteria. Certification requirements include staff training specific to the care of LGBTQ+ patients and clients, protection from discrimination based on gender identity or expression, gender neutral bathrooms, inclusive forms and procedures, and a public commitment to connecting with and serving the LGBTQ+ community. By providing visible designation and a public directory of certified Safe Zones, the program helps make it easier to find care settings committed to providing a welcoming and affirming experience across Rhode Island.

The Safe Zones program was established in 2016. BCBSRI solicits applications and designates new LGBTQ+ Safe Zones annually. Each site must recertify annually to ensure they continue to meet program criteria. 

To learn more about the program, or if you are a provider or care facility looking to become certified, visit BCBSRI’s Safe Zone website.