Curated events, community engagement projects, and educative conversations and trainings took place throughout the month of May as staff and clinicians at Riverbend marked Mental Health Awareness Month. Generous support from local businesses and organizations in our community helped Riverbend’s efforts and reinforced the importance of our mission.

Riverbend is thankful for the generosity demonstrated by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, CGI Business Solutions, Merrimack County Savings Bank, NAMI New Hampshire, Bailey’s Custom Carpets, Inc., Borislow Insurance, JH Spain, St. Mary’s Bank and Mason + Rich.

First established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national commemoration that recognizes the importance of mental health, raises awareness of wellness in the lives of Americans, and celebrates those who have recovered from mental illness.

May is a time for outreach and support for those living with mental health conditions and the families, friends and colleagues who are there to help. Educational programming efforts during the month included:

• An expert addiction training with Dr. Cali Estes ofĢż, covering methamphetamines and opioids
• A book reading and panel presentation featuring Riverbend authors discussing theĢżĢżthey wrote together on children and grief
• Sponsorships, information handouts and attendance at partner events and at community conversations, including events with NAMI (),Ģż, TheĢż, and at theĢżĢż²¹²Ō»åĢż.

“Whether at our own events or out in the community this month, we loved hearing stories from clients, supporters and members of the public and seeing just how far we have progressed as a society in growing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health,” said Lisa K. Madden, president & CEO of Riverbend. “While the month of May is an important commemoration, maintaining your own positive mental health or supporting others should be a daily ritual. Seek care, practice self-care and remember thatĢżeveryone has mental health.”

Better Health, Better Days

A book reading with local authors, mental health and addiction training sessions, and other community engagement activities are on offer for Mental Health Awareness Month, being celebrated locally and as part of national awareness efforts in May. Throughout the month, 51°µĶų Mental Health will offer programming geared toward connecting with community members and reiterating the importance of mental health.

First commemorated in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) is a dedicated time to think about and to acknowledge the role mental health plays in all our daily lives. The 2026 national theme is ā€œMore Good Days, Togetherā€, reflecting the importance of building community, providing support, and promoting sustainable wellness ā€“ all active ways for individuals, organizations and communities to have more good days, together.

National data released from for 2025 showed that more than one-fifth of the U.S. adult population experiences mental illness each year. And in 2024, nearly 2.8 million youth experienced a major depressive episode, impacting their ability to function at home, school or work. Closer to home, the same report showed that New Hampshire is one of ten U.S. states with the highest prevalences of mental health and substance use issues; however, data also placed New Hampshire in the top five when it comes to providing access to insurance and mental health care.

With that perspective, Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of reducing stigma around mental health conditions and diseases, and the need to celebrate and acknowledge people in our community who currently face mental health challenges or have overcome related issues.

ā€œOver the decades since Mental Health Awareness Month was first commemorated, we as a society have made tremendous strides in recognizing the importance of mental and behavioral health in our overall well-being,ā€ said Lisa K. Madden, president & CEO of 51°µĶų Mental Health. ā€œHowever, we must remain vigilant as other factors continue to impact daily mental health, from housing and food insecurity to digital overload, to modern stressors on individuals, families and communities. The 2026 theme of ā€˜More Good Days, Togetherā€™ is an apt reminder to take every day as an opportunity to make progress on oneā€™s mental health journey, or help those in need, whether family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues.ā€

Riverbendā€™s Mental Health Awareness Month activities for 2026 will include:

EXPERT ADDICTION TRAINING (May 20, 1-4 p.m., FREE)

Join clinicians from Riverbendā€™s Choices program for a special live webinar and q-n-a session with a nationally renowned addiction expert! The Opioid and Methamphetamine Training Program is an intensive professional development course designed to give counselors, coaches, and treatment professionals a comprehensive understanding of two of the most destructive drugs in circulation today. Developed by Dr. Cali Estes and , the training provides a clear overview of the history, current trends, and medical applications surrounding opioids and methamphetamines. The training will also go in depth about how methamphetamine differs from other stimulants such as cocaine or Adderall. Students learn not only the science behind the drugs but also the cultural and environmental factors that make meth and opioid use especially dangerous.

The event is open to community partners, clinicians, and interested members of the public.ĢżFunding for the training was provided through the State of New Hampshireā€™s NH Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program.

ĢżBOOK DISCUSSION & READING (May 20, 5:30 to 7, FREE)Ģż

During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians with Riverbendā€™s Childrenā€™s Intervention Program worked together in a creative process to write a childrenā€™s book geared at helping young people understand and move through the grieving process. The book, titled ā€œYou Can Always Talk to Possum at Life Forestā€, was published in 2025. Life Forest, an environmentally friendly, nonprofit conservation cemetery in Hillsborough, was a collaborator on the project. Riverbend will host a panel presentation and book reading with the authors and a representative from Life Forest, discussing children and grief and providing helpful tips for parents and adults. The event is open to the public.

CONCORD FOOD CO-OP ā€“ ROUND-IT-UP AT THE REGISTER (May 1-31)

Riverbend is grateful to be the beneficiary of the ā€™s Round-It-Up at the Register program. The program invites Co-op shoppers to donate to local organizations that make a positive community impact. When going through check-out, shoppers are asked to ā€˜roundā€™ their purchases to the nearest dollar — a simple way to donate and make a difference to partner organizations. During the month of May, any extra funds received through round-up purchases will benefit Riverbend and its programs and services. Through the generosity of the Concord Food Co-op and its customers, more than $227,000 has been raised for local nonprofits through this program

STICK FOR SUPPORT (May 1-31)

Local businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to show their support for Riverbend and Mental Health Awareness Month. Free stickers showcasing the color green ā€“ the international color of mental health awareness ā€“ are available for posting in shop windows, in office spaces, and on vehicles. Contact Riverbendā€™s Community Affairs team for more information and to receive a complimentary sticker: development@riverbendcmhc.org

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (June 4, 9 a.m. ā€“ 2:30 p.m., fee-based course)

Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges facing young people, via an online course in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA).

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge; how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge; and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

Riverbend clinicians will provide the training online. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive their Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, a globally recognized credential that is valid for three years. The fee-based course is open to the public.

In addition to these events, Riverbend will mark Mental Health Awareness Month through speaking opportunities in the community, a donor appreciation event, community sponsorships and digital content. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month nationally by visiting the Mental Health America .

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51°µĶų Mental Health is a private non-profit and one of the largest providers of specialized behavioral health services for children, adults, and their families in central New Hampshire. Nearly 5,000 children, families and adults are served annually. Core services include 24/7 emergency services; counseling services; comprehensive community and school-based services for children; addiction recovery services; and community support, vocational services, and residential programs for adults and seniors. For more information, visit , or follow @RiverbendCMHC on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or LinkedIn.

Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) takes place every May to recognize the importance of mental health, raise awareness of wellness in the lives of Americans, and celebrate those who have recovered from mental illness. 2025 marked the 76^th year of this national commemoration.

Riverbend celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month through events reaching the public, key stakeholders and staff. Community support from local businesses and organizations – including Gold Sponsor Harvard Pilgrim Health Care – help us produce this programming and help serve our clients throughout our 30-community service area in central New Hampshire.

This yearā€™s programming included:

• A community workout and walk. Community members joined with our InSHAPE fitness team for a free session combining education, a community walk and a mini strength and stretch workout in White Park.
• A May 15 community training focused on understanding the presentation of a mental health or substance abuse disorder, and sharing skills to support individuals in crisis. Riverbend clinicians provided valuable information to a variety of community groups that come into contact with those in crisis. Representatives from more than a dozen organizations, law enforcement, city government, higher education, the faith community and human services were all in attendance for this valuable four-hour training.
• Riverbend supporters and Board members attended a donor appreciation event on May 21. Supporters heard updates on our work from our president & CEO Lisa Madden and a personal story from a Riverbend client on how Riverbend has helped him progress on his mental health journey, plus perspectives from our residential staff on the value of Riverbend’s housing program to the community.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, 51°µĶų Mental Health will host community events and training, connecting with community members and reiterating the need for mental health awareness and vigilance.

Mental Health Awareness Month, first established in 1949, takes place each year in May to recognize the importance of mental health, raise awareness of wellness in the lives of Americans, and celebrate those who have recovered from mental illness. Riverbend will mark this important commemoration through events reaching the public, key stakeholders, and staff.

ā€œRiverbend is proud of our 60+ year history of providing mental health support to thousands of people in our 30-community service area,ā€ said Lisa K. Madden, president & CEO of 51°µĶų Mental Health. ā€œMental Health Awareness Month may come once a year, but finding best practices to develop and safeguard your own mental health is a positive action to take every day. Taking stock of oneā€™s own mental health and being observant about the needs of your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues is so important to our overall wellbeing.ā€

Riverbendā€™s Mental Health Awareness Month activities will include:

COMMUNITY WORKOUT/WALK
Riverbend staff and the public will explore the important connection between physical fitness and mental health at Riverbendā€™s Community Workout/Walk, taking place Monday, May 12.

A team from Riverbendā€™s InSHAPE program will offer a free mini session combining education, a community walk and a bonus fitness activity, starting and ending at Riverbend with a stop in White Park as part of the program. Through one-on-one coaching and conversations with clients, InSHAPE specialists may discuss topics such as mindfulness, listening to your body, or the importance of sleep, hydration and healthy nutrition. Join us for a fun and energetic event and learn some of the healthy tips they typically share with clients. Click for more details and registration.

COMMUNITY-CENTERED CRISIS RESPONSE TRAINING
Join Riverbend for a free, community-focused training session. IEA, or Involuntary Emergency Admission, refers to the court process by which someone is admitted on an involuntary basis to a Designated Receiving Facility for treatment.

This training will focus on understanding the presentation of a mental health or substance use disorder crisis. Participants will learn trauma-informed skills to support individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) crisis, plus gain understanding of community resources and psychiatric levels of care in New Hampshire.

Staff and volunteers from community service agencies that have regular interaction with people who experience mental health concerns will benefit from this training. Domestic violence coalitions, police departments, first responders, human service nonprofits, and Probation and Parole Officers (PPO) are welcome, but this training is also open to all interested members of our community. Educators, coaches and members of faith-based organizations may benefit as well. Click for more details and registration.

Riverbend clinical staff will lead the training:
ā€¢ Sheila C. Mullen, LICSW – Community Support Program (CSP) Director
ā€¢ Melissa Stephens, LCMHC – Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services
ā€¢ Kelsey Belanger, LCMHC – Assistant Director, Community Support Program

In addition, Riverbend will mark Mental Health Awareness Month through staff speaking opportunities, a donor appreciation event, sponsorships and digital content. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month nationally by visiting the Mental Health America .

RIVERBEND ā€“ EVENTSā€™ DETAILS:
Community Workout/Walk
When: Monday, May 12, 2025
5:30 ā€“ 7:00 p.m.
Where: Start at Riverbend Administrative Offices
29 School Street
Concord, NH 03301
Registration: To participate in this community workout, register .

Crisis Response Training
When: Thursday, May 15, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Riverbend Administrative Offices
29 School Street
Concord, NH 03301
Registration: To participate in this community training, register .

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51°µĶų Mental Health is a private non-profit and one of the largest providers of specialized behavioral health services for children, adults, and their families in central New Hampshire. Nearly 6,000 children, families and adults are served annually. Core services include 24/7 emergency services; counseling services; comprehensive community and school-based services for children; addiction recovery services; and community support, vocational services, and residential programs for adults and seniors. For more information, visit www.riverbendcmhc.org, or follow @RiverbendCMHC on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or LinkedIn.

Many thanks to the community sponsors who helped support this informative and engaging event: JH Spain Associates, Mason + Rich, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, 51°µĶų Mental Health will host a film screening and panel presentation for ā€œā€ ā€“ a documentary film screening for the first time in New Hampshire.

The film chronicles a concerning issue: the community mental health challenges facing many of Americaā€™s mountain resort towns. Isolation, inadequate resources, substance abuse and social stigmas are all contributing factors. ā€œThe Paradise Paradoxā€ takes a closer look at how mental health providers, outdoor recreation professionals, and law enforcement are working together to create innovative solutions. Olympic gold medalist ā€“ and New Hampshire native ā€“ Bode Miller is an executive producer of the film.

The film screening will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at Red River Theatres in Concord. Immediately after, a community conversation will take place with local experts, including:

• Sarah (Baillargeon) Gagnon, VP of Clinical Operations at 51°µĶų Mental Health
• Suzanne Gaetjens-Oleson, Chief Executive Officer,
• Caite Zeliff, and New Hampshire native (appearing by video)
• John Brown, 40+-year veteran of the Ģż(, Danbury, NH), and a retired firefighter
• Stef Costello, Patrol Director, (Henniker, NH); Firefighter Paramedic (Town of Henniker)

Members of the public are invited to view the film and participate in the community conversation following the screening. Tickets can be .

ā€œBringing this film to new audiences will allow us to highlight this specific, if not necessarily well-known, aspect of mental health. While the film focuses on resort areas in the West, New Hampshire has a deep culture of mountain sports and recreation that lends an interesting contrast and some food for thought,ā€ said Lisa K. Madden, president & CEO of 51°µĶų Mental Health. ā€œWe are grateful to convene this conversation with other experts and partners who will share their stories and learnings with the wider community, all in the interest of raising awareness and providing help.ā€

Mental Health Awareness Month, first established in 1949, is held in May each year to recognize the importance of mental health, raise awareness of wellness in the lives of Americans, and celebrate those who have recovered from mental illness. Riverbend will mark this important commemoration through events reaching the general public, key stakeholders, and staff.

ā€œEveryone has mental health! Mental Health Awareness Month is about recognizing the importance of mental health in all of our lives, all of the time,ā€ said Madden.

Riverbendā€™s other events related to Mental Health Awareness Month include:

• Mental Health First Aid: 51°µĶų Mental Health is proud to offer low-cost Mental Health First Aid training to interested members of our community. The skills-based training course – from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing -teaches people how to understand and respond to someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse challenge. The course costs $60 (course materials and certification) and is limited to 25 participants. Interested parties can register online .
• Author talk: Riverbend will host a lunch and learn for its childrenā€™s program staff and community partners, speaking with activist and author about the issue of food insecurity and mental health.

EVENT DETAILS:

The Paradise Paradox

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

6:30 ā€“ 7:45 ā€“ Film screening

7:45 ā€“ 8:30 ā€“ Panel discussion/Community Conversation

Where: Red River Theatres
11 South Main Street

Concord, NHĢż 03301

Tickets: For tickets, register .

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51°µĶų Mental Health is a private non-profit and one of the largest providers of specialized behavioral health services for children, adults, and their families in central New Hampshire. Nearly 8,000 children, families and adults are served annually. Core services include 24/7 emergency services; counseling services; comprehensive community and school-based services for children; addiction recovery services; and community support, vocational services, and residential programs for adults and seniors. For more information, visit , or follow @RiverbendCMHC on , (formerly known as Twitter), or .

View ALL events happening in May, here.Ģż

51°µĶų Mental Health is excited to share upcoming events hosted by Riverbend and other community partners in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month which is nationally recognized in May. Here is a highlight of the upcoming events!

Mental Health First Aid Training (Part 1 of 2)

Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405

Mental Health First Aid (Part 2 of 2)

At Max Capacity – Anxious Nation: A Feature Documentary Exploring Anxiety, Kids and Families

Riverbend Reads: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry

Magnify Voices Expressive Arts Contest

Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405

Learn more about this event here or at the .