Lifespan, Rhode Island's first health system, was founded in 1994 by Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. A comprehensive, integrated, academic health system affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Lifespan’s present partners also include Rhode Island Hospital's pediatric division, Hasbro Children's Hospital; Bradley Hospital; and Newport Hospital.  

A not-for-profit organization, Lifespan is overseen by a board of volunteer community leaders who are guided by its mission to improve the health status of the people it serves in Rhode Island and New England through the provision of customer friendly, geographically accessible and high value services.