PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Senate Thursday unanimously approved Megan N. Clingham as the state's mental health advocate. She replaces H. Reed Cosper, who retired June 2.
The mental health advocate is charged with ensuring the rights of Rhode Islanders with mental illness, investigating complaints and representing people in involuntary-commitment proceedings.
Clingham, 46, is a staff lawyer in the Office of the Child Advocate and former assistant public defender.
"The mission of the Mental Health Advocate is a critical one: defending and protecting the rights and best interests of those with mental health issues in our state," Governor Chafee said in a news release. "I am confident that Megan's background and talents are well suited to this important position."