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, Lifespan's present partners also include RI Hospital's 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. At Lifespan, Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, our employees represent a broad spectrum of experience, occupations and cultural backgrounds. Throughout Lifespan's network of nationally recognized hospitals, you'll find a commitment to community wellbeing and world-class nursing and health care opportunities. If you share our commitment to community caring, we invite you to choose the hospital and the area that suits you best, whether it's Providence, named one of the best places to live in the U.S., or beautiful Newport, the "city by the sea." The American Heart Association has certified the Lifespan health system as a Gold Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company, an award that recognizes employers that go "above and beyond" in promoting their employees' health. Lifespan is the only Rhode Island company with this certification.