Congratulations to the latest graduates of It's Your Move Basic 1.0!  These mental health advocates now have the training and skills to speak up even more effectively on behalf of Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide. #Act4MentalHealth  

January 19, 2020
NAMI NH ENews
NAMI New Hampshire Awarded SAMHSA Grant 
for Youth Suicide Prevention
 
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced on January 13, 2020 that NAMI New Hampshire (NAMI NH) was awarded the Garrett Lee Smith Grant for Youth Suicide Prevention.  The 5-year, $3.6 million grant will enable NAMI NH and its project partners to deploy a cross-systems, collaborative approach to reduce suicide incidents among youth by improving pathways to care and offering comprehensive training to identify, screen, refer, and treat at-risk youth.
 
As a grassroots coalition of people living with mental illness/serious emotional disturbance, their families, and survivors of suicide loss, NAMI NH has over 35 years of service to children, transition age youth, adults and older adults.  NAMI NH is highly regarded in NH, nationally, and internationally for its work in the field of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
 
Governor Chris Sununu championed suicide prevention efforts in his 2019 inaugural address.  In designating NAMI NH to be the applicant for this grant on behalf of the State of New Hampshire, Governor Sununu noted NAMI NH's "expertise and leadership has created systemic change, forged successful partnerships with the public and private sector, and established a strong foundation upon which to build with this next proposal and the current initiatives underway in our state."
 
Objectives for the 5-year Garrett Lee Smith Grant for Youth Suicide Prevention include:  
  • Develop a Care Liaison role in each region to facilitate pathways to care for high-risk youth/young adults. 
  • Leverage technology to advance screening and assessment and improve care coordination and cross-systems communication. 
  • Convene and train regional implementation teams comprised of providers serving high-risk youth in suicide prevention/intervention/postvention. 
  • Engage regional teams in planning to build infrastructure around best practices for suicide prevention/postvention. 
  • Develop youth/young adult leadership in regional youth suicide prevention efforts. 
  • Engage statewide organizations that interface with at-risk youth/young adults in suicide prevention/postvention training and planning. 
  • Promote safe messaging in accordance with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (NAASP) framework. 
  • Enhance and expand National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) follow up calls.  
NAMI NH Executive Director Ken Norton stated, "It is critical for NH to capitalize on the recent momentum surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.  NH's recently released 10-Year Mental Health Plan included both a focus on early intervention and prevention for children and youth, as well as recommendations to renew and intensify efforts to address suicide prevention.  The grant will dovetail with suicide prevention initiatives and funding passed during the 2019 legislative session.  NAMI NH is grateful to our Congressional delegation for their national support of increased funding for suicide prevention, and especially to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a longtime suicide prevention advocate."  
 
The grant project will focus on youth/young adults ages 10-24 in the Capital Region and North Country/Carroll County, as r ecent rates of suicide in those regions were higher than in other areas of the state.
 
The 5-year SAMHSA grant project will be led by Elaine de Mello, Director of NAMI NH's Connect Suicide Prevention Program.  For the past 20 years, de Mello has served a vital role in the development of NAMI NH's Connect Program, a National Best Practice Program that has trained in nearly every state, as well as in 40 tribal nations and 6 countries.  
Parents Meeting the Challenge - Online Live! Class

Take the FREE Parents Meeting the Challenge 8-session educational program from the comfort of your own home!


Public Policy Update

Your Voice Needed to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs!
Tuesday, January 21st, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
NH State House, Room 100, 107 North Main St., Concord, NH
 
Prescription medications are an absolute necessity for many Granite Staters living with mental illness.  The cost of prescription drugs in NH increased 32% from 2012 to 2017, leaving many patients unable to afford necessary medications.
 
Please share your story with legislators, and ask them to lower the cost of prescription drugs!  
 
On Tuesday, January 21stat the NH State House, hearings will take place on the following bills:

1:00 PM - SB 685: Drug Affordability (allowing importation of lower cost prescription drugs from Canada)

1:30 PM - SB 690: Drug Accessibility (preventing insurance companies from changing drug coverage during a plan year)

1:45 PM - SB 687: Drug Price Transparency (creating a NH drug affordability board to monitor changes in the cost of prescription drugs)

A few important notes:
  • Please RSVP so we can keep you posted with any changes to the hearing schedule.
  • These hearings will likely run beyond their allotted times - please come for any/all that you are able to attend.
  • Advocates are welcome to park at NAMI NH, 85 North State St., Concord, and walk over to the State House.
  • NAMI NH's Advocacy Team is happy to assist you in preparing testimony - please reach out to get connected.
NAMI NH Exec. Dir. Ken Norton
Unite for Mental Health:
New Hampshire Town Hall
 
NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Ken Norton presented at Unite for Mental Health: New Hampshire Town Hall on December 16th.  Click the video to hear Ken's analysis of the current mental health system.

"It's time for a new vision of mental health care in our country that focuses on prevention and early intervention...

I have 3 requests:

First, that we substitute the word 'discrimination' for 'stigma' because discrimination is at the root of our current systems of inadequate care...

Second, I ask each of you, 'What have you done today to provide hope to an individual struggling with mental health issues or addiction, or for their caregivers or family members?'...

Lastly, we all need to be informed through events like this, and get out and vote..."

#Act4MentalHealth

It's Your Move - Advocacy Trainings 2020

Do you want to learn how to better advocate for yourself or a loved one at the doctor's office or at school?  Or how to support or argue for a cause or a policy change in your town or at the state level?  Then NAMI NH's  It's Your Move Advocacy Trainings 2020 are for you!  

NAMI NH Advocacy Sponsor: 
General Federation of Women's Clubs
.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs recently 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
Yesterday in NH Emergency Departments...
.
 27 adults and
7 children
.
were 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 NH is searching for a detail-oriented, organized individual with a positive and flexible approach to problem solving and decision-making. The staff accountant must demonstrate proactive communication skills and be able to meet deadlines and reporting time frames. Knowledge of computerized accounting systems, and the ability to gather and analyze detailed accounting information to ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial data are important qualities. Heavy emphasis on month end closing procedures, and account reconciliations. 


Image source: Getty

(full-time - salaried, exempt)

The Family and Community Support Specialists (FCSS) will provide 1:1 support and education to families/primary caregivers of children, birth to age 8, with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) to improve mental health outcomes by adapting the NH Wraparound Practice Model. The FCSS will establish support  groups and family education programs in Manchester. 


  • Carroll County/Conway Area
  • Claremont/Upper Valley
  • Coos County/SAU 7
  • Greater Nashua 
Suicide Prevention & Survivors of Suicide Loss


The Trevor Project Releases National Survey on 
LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
 
 
The Trevor Project's recently released inaugural National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health includes these key findings:

* 39% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considered

* 71% of LGBTQ youth reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in the past year


Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are at a higher risk for mental health issues. Support from family members, friends, colleagues, and community members is critical.


Upcoming with NAMI NH
Family-to-Family Coming to DERRY, NH in March!
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:30 PM (starting March 11th)

Family-to-Family is an education program that is FREE for family members, partners, and friends of individuals 18 and older, who have a mental illness such as: Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).


Additional Family-to-Family Classes are Coming to Portsmouth and Nashua - learn more.

New GREATER MILFORD Parent & Caregiver Group  

 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley 
56 Mont Vernon Street, Milford NH

For more information: MilfordNHPCG@gmail.com

**If this is your first time attending, please contact us to confirm time and location and to let us know you are coming.

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



Monthly FEP/ESMI Stakeholder Meetings

All are welcome to attend the Monthly FEP/ESMI Stakeholder Meetings.  These meetings typically take place on the 2nd Tuesday, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at NAMI New Hampshire. To learn more or to RSVP, please message Michelle Wagner .

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 Support Groups are a place to make important connections to others who:


 

- understand the challenges you face and the opportunities ahead

- feel the same way you do

- have had the same experiences

- will help you learn new coping skills

- will share their successes and strategies with you


 

Through affiliates around the state, NAMI NH offers supports groups to family members and parents who have a loved one with mental illness, as well as individuals living with mental illness. 


 

Find a support group near you.


Family Support Groups - for family members and friends of adults with mental illness

Parent Support Groups - for parents of children/adolescents with serious emotional disorders

Peer Support - information on support centers and groups for adults with mental illness

Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) - listing of support groups for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide



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.  These closed Facebook groups require an add from admins - click each link below to learn more and request membership.  

Don't hesitate to contact info@NAMINH.org with any questions. 





Development News

Thank You, NHSP Sgt. Steven Callinan!

At a recent meeting of NAMI New Hampshire's Board of Directors, NH State Police Sgt. Steven Callinan was recognized for hosting a successful comedy night fundraiser in support of Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide.  Thank you, Sgt. Callinan!
Local Hiker to Complete The Great Northern Loop in Support of NAMI NH

Local hiker Erica Notini will be covering 7,000 miles of The Great Northern Loop over 304 days, while raising money to support NAMI New Hampshire.  Erica was selected by The Push Beyond to join one of three teams of hikers participating in the challenge.  Each hiker is raising money for a charity of their choice.

The Great Western Loop will take hikers through 9 states, 12 National Parks, the Sonoran Dessert, the Mojave Dessert, and 75 wilderness areas.  

Learn more about The Push Beyond and The Great Western Loop.

(Pictured (L to R): NAMI NH Exec. Dir. Ken Norton, Erica Notini, NAMI NH Deputy Dir. Susan Stearns)
Round-It-Up in January at Concord Food Co-op to Support NAMI New Hampshire!

NAMI New Hampshire has been selected as the January 2020 recipient of the Concord Food Co-op's  Round-It-Up at the Register program.   Round-It-Up at the Register empowers shoppers to round their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to partnered organizations.

Stop by the  Concord Food Co-op at 52 South Main Street during the month of January and Round-It-Up to support Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide. 

Save the Date!
18th Annual NAMIWalks NH
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Concord, NH

Make plans to join us at New Hampshire's largest mental health 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 start back up soon!  If you're interested in volunteering to help plan another record-breaking NAMIWalks NH, please contact Brittany Porter.


Make an Impact
 
Did you know there are a variety of ways you can make a transformational gift to NAMI New Hampshire?
  • Join the NAMI New Hampshire Legacy Circle by including us in your estate planning, giving a lasting gift to help us continue providing support, education, and advocacy well into the future.
  • Consider giving a gift of stock and potentially avoid paying capital gains tax.  Click here to learn more about the tax benefits of donating stock to a charity.  Instructions for transferring a gift of stock to NAMI NH are available here.
  • If you are age 70 1/2 or older, IRS rules require you to take required minimum distributions each year from your tax-deferred retirement accounts.  This additional taxable income may push you into a higher tax bracket, and may also reduce your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions.  Making a pre-tax charitable donation directly to NAMI NH can eliminate or reduce the impact of this income.
  • Stacking your gift may help you exceed the new standard deduction.  This method of giving allows you to combine several years of charitable contributions in a single year, maximizing your potential tax benefit. 
NAMI New Hampshire was recently honored with a Nonprofit Impact Award from the NH Center for Nonprofits. As the former Executive Director of NAMI NH and a father of a daughter with mental illness, one might think I'm biased when I say that the award was definitely well deserved.  However, it only confirmed our belief that regularly giving to NAMI NH through our retirement program and adding NAMI NH as a beneficiary into our will is the right thing to do.  With our gifts, and those of others, NAMI NH can continue to be good stewards of its resources, putting them to work for individuals and families affected by mental illness and suicide. Giving is an honor, especially when we see that what NAMI NH does works. Yet, they have more to do. Together, our collective resources ensure NH has an accessible, quality mental health and suicide prevention delivery system for Granite Staters.  
 
~ Michael and Saundy Cohen

For more information, or to discuss additional opportunities, please contact Kristen  or call 603-225-5359 x350.  Sample bequest language is available on our  website .

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

BEDLAM: Free Film Screening
Tuesday, March 31st, 6 PM
Red River Theatres, Concord

Filmmaker and practicing psychiatrist, Ken Rosenberg visits ERs, jails, and homeless camps to examine our national mental health crisis. Rosenberg follows the poignant stories of people grappling with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other chronic psychiatric conditions, whose silence and shame often worsen the suffering.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion.   Bedlam is sponsored by  NAMI New Hampshire  and  Riverbend Community Mental Health .




Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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