The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announces that effective Monday, February 16, 2009, the State Office of vital Records is changing the hours for walk-in service and will only be open to the public Monday through Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“HEALTH has worked with each city and town to make electronic birth records, dating back to 1980, available at most city and town halls regardless of where the birth happened in the state,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “This allows more convenient access for residents and in most cases, means that people don’t have to come to Providence. Requests for vital records can also be mailed to the State Office of Vital Records.”
In 2008, the Office of Vital Records assisted more than 18,000 customers in person and processed nearly 9,000 mail requests from Rhode Island and from out of state. For more information on vital records or to locate your city or town hall, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/chic/vital/index.php or call 1-800-942-7434.