January 2022/Issue XXVIII |
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24/7 Rapid Response Access Point
Crisis Hotline
1-833-710-6477
(call or text)
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Hope and Thanks in 2022
As we usher in 2022, phrases such as “fresh start” and “new beginning” might seem superficial as the pandemic continues to infect us with stress and anxiety. While many of us continue to struggle with mental health challenges, hope is the common thread that guides us. We've witnessed many communities coming together to support each other (and our work, too!) to boost their well-being. Please accept our abiding gratitude and appreciation for your wonderful and generous support!
This NHPR story mentions our President & CEO, Roger Osmun, as it highlights the new NH state-wide toll-free phone number for mental health crisis calls at 1-833-710-6477 that went live on January 1, 2022.
The New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point is our new 24/7 crisis call center hotline for phone and text support. Calls will be transferred to mobile crisis teams around the state as needed. This gets us closer to the national crisis hotline number (988), set to go live in July 2022.
As we move forward in this New Year, please know that there is always hope & help available.
"Hope is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all - "
by: Emily Dickinson
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Improve Your Happiness in 2022
Setting a goal to adopt healthier habits is a productive way to start the New Year. These routines help to incrementally improve our days, even if just for a brief moment. This Huffington Post article, 22 Tiny Mental Health Habits That Can Improve Your Life In 2022, offers some simple self-care activities that can easily become part of your daily wellness routine.
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JANUARY 20 | 8:00 p.m. ET
We're excited to share news of this free webinar coming our way:
Public health leader and Dartmouth Trustee Emeritus John Rich ’80 talks with Director of The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Amber E. Barnato about new models of health care delivery, mental health, and the state of public health.
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U.S. Surgeon General: Advisory on Youth Mental Health
The U.S. Surgeon general recently issued an advisory addressing the youth mental health crisis that has been further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade,” said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. The advisory calls for a swift response and provides recommendations across 11 sectors to improve youth mental health. Click Here for more details. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children's Hospital Association are joining together to declare a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health calling on policy makers and advocates to improve the access and quality of care for youth across the mental health continuum.
If there is a child in your life in need of mental health support, West Central offers Child & Family Services, including an Early Childhood program for children ages 0-5.
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Need to set up your first appointment? Call our 'New Client'
Appointment Line
603-542-5128
Teletherapy and in-person appointments
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Youth CAN Coalition
The Youth CAN (Claremont And Newport) Coalition, in partnership with West Central, is pleased to announce the hiring of its new Prevention Coordinator, Scott Blewitt. Scott brings 27 years of experience serving the greater Lake Sunapee community as a Recreation Director. As a graduate of Newport High School, Scott is very excited to make a positive impact and be a resource to families in Claremont and Newport by strengthening community collaboration through support and healthier choices for teens. Welcome, Scott!
The purpose of the Coalition is to strengthen and expand community partnerships in order to prevent and reduce substance misuse among youth in Claremont and Newport. Stay tuned for details on the Coalition's Drug-Free Communities kick-off event coming up soon!
Pictured: Scott Blewitt, Prevention Coordinator
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We're hiring!
Available positions include Mobile Crisis Response Clinicians, Peer Support Specialists, Team Leaders, Clinical Secretaries, Residential Specialists, Mental Health Therapists, Adult & Child Case Managers, and more. If you have an interest in helping others who truly need help, there's no more gratifying and meaningful work than in community behavioral health. Please Click Here to visit our Careers web page to find your next professional step that will make a world of difference for others to make sure you can feel good about your work!
Watch this Video to learn more about how West Central clinicians and staff help their clients thrive.
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We continue to encourage all our clients, staff, and all others in the community to get COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, and to get seasonal flu shots.
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Join the Conversation
As a parent or caregiver, it is important to recognize the signs of anxiety in young children. Learn about child anxiety during this virtual conversation, When Worry Shows Up: How Parents and Caregivers Can Help During Uncertain Times, with internationally known child anxiety specialist, Lynn Lyons, LICSW on February 2nd from 7:30-8:30 PM. This event is free of charge and open to all. Click Here to register.
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On Vaccinations...
At this time, both NH and VT are vaccinating anyone 5 years of age or older regardless of residency. Boosters are available for anyone 18 and older at many walk-in locations. Registration is currently open for boosters that will be available on January 8, 2022 during the second statewide “Booster Blitz.” You can choose among sites located from the North Country and western part of the state, to central New Hampshire and the Seacoast. Register now as appointments are limited!
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has made it easier for you to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. In a partnership with Convenient MD, the NH Mobile Vaccine Van is available to provide free vaccination clinics across the state at any location to groups of all sizes. You can get COVID-19 vaccine information at vaccines.nh.gov or by calling 2-1-1. For VT vaccination information, Click Here to learn more.
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Do you appreciate what we're doing for our community? If you're able to make a gift to us, please do. We're a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit serving clients in the Upper Valley and Sullivan County with offices in Lebanon, Claremont, and Newport, NH. Last year, we extended nearly $600,000 in charitable care to vulnerable people in need of our services. No gift is too small, and we accept monthly recurring contributions on our online giving page. We also accept gifts of stock and other marketable securities, and encourage you to name West Central as a beneficiary in your will and estate plans. For more information, please visit our Giving page or contact
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Share This Newsletter...You Might Save a Life |
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This newsletter is sent monthly to West Central staff, Board & Committee members, and our many friends and supporters. Please share it with your friends and family so people remember our name and the work we do as this region's community mental health, substance use disorder, and 24/7 mobile crisis response center.
When people in need know who we are,
they'll contact us before a crisis occurs.
Sign Up to receive West Central News each month
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24/7 Rapid Response Access Point
Crisis Hotline
1-833-710-6477
(call or text)
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