May 29, 2020
NAMI NH ENews
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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.
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).
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We hope you can join us virtually for our 2020 Annual Meeting!
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!
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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.
Thank you for your support!
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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.
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Statements On Recent Racist Incidents
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."
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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.
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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.
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NAMI NH on New Hampshire PBS
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Facebook Live with Senator Hassan
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Suicide Prevention & Survivors of Suicide Loss
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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.
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Suicide Prevention Resources
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ONLINE Weekly Family Support Group
tel. # | zip code | relationship/age of your family member/friend of primary concern
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ONLINE Live
Parent & Caregiver Group Monthly on 2nd Wed.
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Veteran & Military Families
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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3rd Annual UP Granite Youth Conference
Wednesday, June 3rd, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
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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.
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