RIHWC
Rhode Island Health & Wellness Collaborative
Food • Community • Wellness
Building a healthier Rhode Island through food, movement, prevention, education and human connection
Together We Make Rhode Island Healthier, Happier and Socially ConnectedHealth does not happen only in a doctor's office.
It is shaped every day by what we eat, how we move, how we sleep, how we manage stress, our environment, and, perhaps most importantly, our connection with one another.
Our approach
The Six Pillars
Six everyday levers that shape long-term health. We teach all six in plain language, with practice, not lectures.
Food is Medicine
Green is Queen
Plant-forward, fiber-rich eating that is affordable and genuinely enjoyable.
Physical Activity
Body Motion is Potion
Movement you look forward to, at whatever pace your body asks for.
Restorative Sleep
Good Rest Feels Best
Seven to eight hours of real rest, treated as care and not a luxury.
Stress Management
Breathe, Don't Seethe
Simple, teachable tools for a nervous system under pressure.
Social Connection
Share the Care
Tables, walks and rooms where people actually know each other.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
Clean, Pure, and Sure
Clear information and steady support, never shame.
Next event
RIHWC Health & Wellness Supper Expo
An Evening of Connection, Inspiration & Wellness
- Saturday, October 10
- 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Central Congregational Church, Providence
An evening where people don't just hear about wellness, they experience it. A farm-to-table wholesome dinner, wellness education, local vendors, movement, meditation and a sound bath, and time to actually meet your neighbors.
What we do
Four ways this shows up in Rhode Island
Programs
Weekly walks, workshops, cooking and online movement.
Learn moreFood is Medicine
Plant-forward cooking, labels, farms and shared meals.
Learn moreYouth Initiative
Students leading wellness in their own schools.
Learn morePartners
Clinicians, farms, schools and creatives, working together.
Learn moreMeet the founders
Two physicians, one community table
Dr. Saira Hussain, MD
Founder • Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine • Food Is Medicine
Brown-trained physician with 25 years in practice, an Andrew Weil Integrative Medicine fellow, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Her work takes integrative and lifestyle medicine beyond the clinic and into communities, with practical, accessible tools to prevent disease, improve well-being, and take greater ownership of everyday health.
Dr. Ehsun Mirza, MD
Co-Founder
Intensivist and critical care physician, and a member of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
Our vision
To make Rhode Island one of the healthiest, happiest, and most socially connected states in America.
Get involved
There is a place here for you
FAQ
Common questions
Quick answers about who we are and how to take part.
What is the Rhode Island Health & Wellness Collaborative (RIHWC)?
RIHWC is a grassroots, physician-founded community organization in Rhode Island that makes lifestyle and integrative medicine practical for everyone through free workshops, walks, cooking classes, farm-to-table meals, and community gatherings.
Who can join RIHWC events and programs?
Everyone is welcome. RIHWC programs are open to all Rhode Island residents, and no membership, referral, or medical background is needed. Many offerings, like workshops and walks, are free.
What are the six pillars of lifestyle medicine?
The six pillars are nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. RIHWC teaches all six in plain language with hands-on practice rather than lectures.
Is RIHWC a medical provider or a substitute for my doctor?
No. RIHWC offers education and community support, not medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician about your health.
How do I get involved with RIHWC?
You can attend an event, volunteer, host a vendor table, partner as an organization, or support the mission. Visit the Get Involved page or email wellness@rihwc.org to start.
Newsletter
Hear about the next gathering
A short email when something is coming up. No pop-ups, no daily mail.