Join Us on Saturday, May 30th for a Day of Hope!

Join us throughout the day tomorrow (Saturday, May 30th) for Party with a Purpose: 
A Day of Hope sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & JohnsonTune in to Facebook for uplifting messages from Susan Stearns and Ken Norton; the final hours of the Day of Hope Auction sponsored by AmeriHealth Caritas; and information on how you can register for NAMIWalks NH on Sunday, October 4th!

Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the NH Department of Health & Human Services, and Governor Sununu, NAMI NH is extending the suspension of all in-person support group meetings, classes, presentations, and trainings through June 30, 2020.

During this period of physical distancing, the NAMI NH team is working hard to stay socially connected to Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide.

To connect with resources & support, contact NAMI NH's Info & Resource Line at info@NAMINH.org or 1-800-242-6264 (press 4).

Support groups throughout the state have moved online - contact your local leader to learn more.

Current and upcoming virtual offerings include  the Family-to-Family educational program, the In Our Own Voice speaker series, additional offerings in the Side-by-Side Lunch & Learn series, twice weekly Yoga & Meditation, and much more.
May 29, 2020
NAMI NH ENews
Mental Health Month Message Endures: You Are NOT Alone  

D uring May, NAMI NH joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

While May is coming to a close, this message is timeless: You Are NOT Alone.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling emotionally - 24/7 crisis support is available.

To connect with (non-crisis) resources & support in the Granite State, contact NAMI New Hampshire's Info & Resource Line at info@NAMINH.org or 1-800-242-6264 (press 4). 


We hope you can join us virtually for our 2020 Annual Meeting!  
Please RSVP by June 16th at  tinyurl.com/NAMINHAnnualMeeting

NAMI NH members are eligible to vote on the slate of Board members.  Not sure if your membership is current?  Email us and we will check for you!  Not yet a member?  Becoming a member is easy and affordable! A household membership is $60 annually, and an individual membership is $40 each year.  We thank you for your support!
 
Challenge Grant Update

YOU DID IT!  Because of you, we raised over $10,000!  We are humbled and grateful to the many generous donors who gave to the Day of Hope Challenge - especially to the anonymous donor who so graciously offered the challenge gift!  You doubled the impact of your gift, which will help NAMI NH provide support, education, and advocacy for all Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide.

It's not too late to donate and help us exceed our goal - the Challenge ends tomorrow at midnight! Click here to donate and please note CHALLENGE GIFT in the comments.

Thank you for your support!
 
 

Online Support & Resources

The NAMI NH office is closed to the public and in-person support group meetings and trainings are suspended through June 30th. However, staff members continue their work remotely, and with the exceptional assistance of NAMI NH volunteers, most support groups and other activities have moved online. Please reach out, and take good care.

Crisis Support - if you, or someone you know, is struggling emotionally - you are not alone. 

NAMI NH's Info & Resource Line continues to operate! 
To connect with support, message info@NAMINH.org or call 1-800-242-6264 (press 4).


Connect with your local support group leader to learn about online meeting options.
Statements On Recent Racist Incidents
May 29, 2020

NAMI National

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI National) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health:

"The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.

"Our nation's African American community is going through an extremely painful experience, pain that has been inflicted upon this community repeatedly throughout history and is magnified by mass media and repeated deaths. We stand with all the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. And, with more than 100,000 lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic - disproportionately from minority communities - these recent deaths add gasoline to the fire of injustice.

"While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. Racism is a public health crisis.

"As the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. While as an organization we are still early in our intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey and have much to do, we have renewed our commitment to our values. We continue to strive to deliver help and hope to all who need it.

"NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone impacted across the country. You are not alone."

NAMI New Hampshire

NAMI New Hampshire today released the following statement from Executive Director Kenneth Norton:

"NAMI New Hampshire condemns the unnecessary and violent death of George Floyd.   We grieve for Mr. Floyd, his family, and our communities of color who for too long have borne the brunt of systemic racism and its impact upon mental health.   

For quite some time, NAMI NH has been engaged in productive conversations with Commissioner Quinn of the New Hampshire Department of Safety (DOS), Attorney General MacDonald, and other law enforcement officials regarding officer-involved shootings, the use of deadly force, and expanded training for law enforcement and first responders regarding mental health and de-escalation techniques.  With 50% of officer-involved shootings in New Hampshire involving an individual with mental illness, the need to address these issues is a critical one - that requires cross-system collaboration.  

We are fortunate to partner with DOS in implementing the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for first responders and with NH Police Standards and Training to provide training to all cadets on responding to individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis.  Yet, there is still more work to be done to address injustice in our state.  

 NAMI New Hampshire applauds the comments made by Governor Sununu at today's (May 29, 2020) press conference acknowledging racial inequities in our state and the need to address them, including access to health care.  We remain in close contact with our colleagues at NAMI Minnesota and stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time for their communities and state.  You are not alone."
Public Policy Update


NAMI is conducting a survey to learn more about how people search for mental health treatment and related services, like case management and financial aid. The online survey is anonymous and is available by clicking here.

Drug$ Documentary Screening and Panel
Thursday, June 4, 2020 4:00 PM -  6:00 PM ET

For years, Granite Staters have suffered under a drug-pricing system that fails to deliver important medications at affordable costs. Now, in the time of COVID-19, for individuals with underlying medical conditions, drug price affordability is more important than ever to continue taking medications to minimize the risk of complications. 

 Thursday, June 4th from 4-6PM, New Futures, NAMI New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Rare Disorders Association are partnering to host a virtual documentary screening of Drug$: The Price We Pay and a conversation about how we can combat skyrocketing drug prices. Will you join us? 

 *If you prefer to watch the movie on your own time, upon registering a link to the documentary will be provided to watch the full movie for free.

NAMI NH on New Hampshire PBS

NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Ken Norton appeared recently on the New Hampshire PBS series "The State We're In." Ken is featured in the episode titled "Substance Use Disorder During the Pandemic," which can be viewed online here.

Facebook Live with Senator Hassan

On May 21st, NAMI New Hampshire  Executive Director  Ken Norton  spoke with  Senator Maggie Hassan  about  mental health  in the Granite State during COVID-19. 

The event is available to view on NAMI NH's Facebook page.


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NH Legislature Working to Resume in June

The NH Legislature has currently suspended activity due to COVID-19, with efforts underway to resume activities in June.

Click here to see NAMI NH's 2020 legislative priorities, read our testimony, track all of  the mental health and suicide prevention bills we're following this session, sign up for public policy alerts, and more.  Questions?  Don't hesitate to contact us: advocacy@NAMINH.org.
NAMI NH Advocacy Sponsor: 
General Federation of Women's Clubs
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The General Federation of Women's Clubs made a $10,000 donation to support NAMI NH's advocacy efforts. This donation is part of the President's Project to Nurture Good Mental Health Through Awareness, and made possible through the Candia Community Woman's Club and their "In the Bag" fundraising.  Throughout the next year, clubs around the state will work with NAMI NH to raise awareness and funds. 
In the News
Today in NH Emergency Departments...
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  8 adults   and  0 kids*
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are waiting for psychiatric hospital care.


NAMI New Hampshire  can connect those impacted by long ED waits with information, resources and support.  Click here to learn more. 

NAMI NH continues to make the ED boarding crisis a top priority of advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness and suicide.  

NAMI In Our Own Voice Zoom Speaker Series

NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with  mental health  conditions. Presentations provide a personal perspective, as speakers talk openly about their lived experiences. 
 

NAMI NH Annual Conference Goes Virtual

Due to COVID-19, this year's NAMI NH Annual Conference will offer content virtually over the course of several days at NO COST to participants!

Please help us plan by completing this quick survey by 5/31 so we know what best serves our extended NAMI NH community.

NAMI NH Appears on Dartmouth-Hitchcock Webinar

NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Ken Norton was a featured guest on the May 20th installment of Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Heads Up: Coping through COVID-19 webinar series.  


Spring Edition of Family, Youth & Children's Newsletter

The latest edition of the Family, Youth & Children's Newsletter from NAMI New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Family Network is now available to read online!

. Storytime with NAMI New Hampshire

The NAMI NH family is having a blast sharing a weekly storytime video for kids of all ages.  Click below to watch the latest episodes of Storytime with NAMI New Hampshire, and hop over to our Facebook page each Friday for a new story.  

You can watch all episodes anytime on our YouTube playlist.

Suicide Prevention & Survivors of Suicide Loss
NH Survivors of Suicide Loss Newsletter

A new edition of the NH Survivors of Suicide Loss Newsletter is now  available  to read online by clicking here


Upcoming with NAMI NH


ONLINE Weekly Family Support Group

To register, email Deb at NAMINHVirtual@gmail.com and include: 
tel. # | zip code | relationship/age of your family member/friend of primary concern 

ONLINE Live 
Parent & Caregiver Group Monthly on 2nd Wed.

Veteran & Military Families

Registration OPEN for NAMI Homefront Online!

NAMI Homefront is a free class designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends of those who have served or are currently serving our country.

NAMI Homefront Online classes meet weekly in a virtual classroom, so participants experience the same level of interaction and learning as traditional in-person classes.


Resources

NAMI NH's Online Groups

NAMI New Hampshire offers four unique online groups - they're places to find peer support, share experiences, offer encouragement, and pass along resources.  Click each link below to learn more and request membership.  

Don't hesitate to contact info@NAMINH.org  or call 1-800-242-6264 with any questions. 






Life Under Construction Celebrates Kindness for Mental Health Month


NAMI NH's Life Under Construction  (LUC) social media is a place for youth and young adults whose lives are affected by mental health challenges to share ideas, concerns, and questions they have about planning their future.  To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, LUC encouraged Granite Staters to do small acts of kindness for one another and pass them on. Ideas included writing letters, dropping off flowers at someone's doorstep, helping out around the house, sending a nice text, or anything that brightened someone's day.

Be sure to visit Life Under Construction (LUC) on Facebook or Instagram to see how folks chose to #ConnectwithKindnessLUC during Mental Health Month!

Development News
18th Annual NAMIWalks NH
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Concord, NH

Make plans to join us at New Hampshire's largest mental health awareness and suicide prevention event!

Family-friendly, dog-friendly, free, and FUN - we look forward to seeing you at the 18th Annual NAMIWalks NH!

Walk Committee meetings are underway!  If you're interested in volunteering to help plan another record-breaking event, please contact Brittany Porter.

Thank You & Happy Birthday!
April 2020 Facebook Birthday Fundraisers

We like to recognize our supporters who have hosted Facebook fundraisers for NAMI New Hampshire's programs and services.  Thank you to the April 2020 birthday fundraisers - because of you, and the many generous donors who gave in your honor, Granite Staters will continue to receive help and hope.  

It's easy to get in on the Facebook fundraising fun - and, as an added bonus, there are no fees from Facebook to either the donor or to NAMI NH from these fundraisers!  If you have questions or need guidance, please contact us at development@NAMINH.org

Thank you and happy birthday to the kind and generous folks who chose to share their Facebook fundraiser contributions with NAMI NH. We are honored to do this work alongside you and are grateful for your steadfast support.  



Make an Impact
 
Despite the current situation, we want to share some key changes for the 2020 tax filing year that may be beneficial to you and your family during these difficult times.
 
The U.S. Congress has passed the CARES Act to provide economic assistance and there are some important changes that may make a difference for you this year.
 
Checks for individuals:  If you had an income of less than $75K last year, you will receive a check of $1,200.  Individuals who earned between $75K and $100K will also receive a check on a sliding scale based on their incomes.  If you have a bank account on file with the IRS, you likely received a direct deposit in mid-April.  Otherwise, the IRS will begin mailing checks in early May.
 
Additional Income Tax Charitable Deduction:  You can deduct up to $300 above the standard deduction for individuals in charitable contributions.  This is for everyone, even if you have no other itemizations.  
 
No "RMDs" from your IRA, but Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are still a smarter way to give:  For individuals with IRA accounts, there are no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) this year.  However, giving pre-tax funds out of your IRA will still lower your future tax burden compared to giving cash.  If you are interested in this method of giving, please contact your IRA custodian for more information.
 
We hope you find this information useful as you make important decisions about how to best support NAMI NH and other charities this year.  If you have any further questions about the CARES Act or just want to reach out, please contact Kristen Welch, CFRE, Director of Development or call 603-225-5359 ext. 350.
 
We are grateful for your steadfast and generous support of NAMI NH.
NAMI NH Corporate Sponsor Partners
 
NAMI New Hampshire is grateful to our Corporate Sponsors and Members for their steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide.   #hopestartswithyou



For information on  Corporate Sponsorship, or to discuss additional partnership opportunities, contact Kristen Welch, CFRE, Director of Development, at  kwelch@NAMINH.org or 603.235.5359 x350.

Mark Your Calendar
3rd Annual UP Granite Youth Conference
Wednesday, June 3rd, 3:30 - 5:30 pm


NAMICon Goes Virtual for 2020

After thoughtful deliberation, NAMI National has made the difficult decision to transition NAMICon 2020 from an in-person meeting to a virtual experience. As you are aware, risks associated with large-scale live events this year remain unknown, and we are committed to the health and safety of all our attendees, staff, presenters, sponsors and exhibitors. We also recognize that many people and organizations now face tough budget decisions, especially related to travel and professional development opportunities, that may make the trip to Atlanta less feasible.

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The preparation of this newsletter was financed under an agreement with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health, with funds provided in part or in whole by the State of New Hampshire and/or the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
NAMI NH | 85 N. State St. | 603.225.5359 | info@NAMINH.org | www.NAMINH.org