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.

Champions have expanded training opportunities, provided essential clinical services, worked with legislative or community partners to change policy, and shared stories that grew recognition of the importance of mental health.

For Riverbend, a Champion for Mental HealthĢżis an individual who:
ā€¢ Advocates for greater access to mental health services;
ā€¢ Contributes extraordinary time, talent or treasure to improving the lives of people with mental illness; and/or
ā€¢ Publicly gives voice to those with mental illness, helping eliminate the stigma and stereotypes that surround the disease.

Honor those making a difference in the mental health of our local communities ā€“ alleviating hardships, serving as an ally, educating or raising awareness, or helping those with addictions or mental illnesses. Winners are honored each fall at Riverbendā€™s Champions for Mental Health awards ceremony, where members of the public, business leaders, public officials and other interested community members come together in an evening of celebration. This year’s event will be held Tuesday, October 7 at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord.Ģż

Previous winners include:

ā€¢ John Barthelmes, former Colonel, New Hampshire State Police
ā€¢ The Hon. John Broderick, Jr., former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court
ā€¢ John and David Constant, Constantly Pizza (Concord)
ā€¢ Gretchen Grappone, LICSW, training consultant and clinician
ā€¢ Lucy C. Hodder, Professor of Law
ā€¢ Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster
ā€¢ Brielle Paquette, advocate for childrenā€™s mental health
ā€¢ Robert L. Quinn, Commissioner of Safety

And many more!

Make your nomination today.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 6, 2025.Ģż
(NOTE: Current Riverbend Employees and Board members are not eligible for the award. Champions must live or have spent significant time working on the issue of mental health in Merrimack County or in Riverbendā€™s 30-community catchment area).

Questions? Contact: development@riverbendcmhc.org

Riverbend continues to work with partners at the Community Behavioral Health Association to raise awareness of State and Federal legislative activity that may impact the system of mental health care in New Hampshire.

Through CBHA, the ten community mental health centers serving New Hampshire compiled a memo highlighting the budget cuts and detailing some of the projected losses to programming and personnel that are at risk via the proposed State budget ā€“ starting with the House. Click to read the memo in full.

The budget passed the House Thursday, April 10, and is now in the hands of the Senate.

The memo lays out our unified position and discusses in more depth the potential ramifications of what our system of care will have to absorb. Mental health is community health; having a system of care that ensures people of all income levels get the appropriate services they need is essential to our overall quality of life and the wellbeing of our state.

If you have a story to share about your mental health journey and how community mental health centers like Riverbend made a difference, please consider the following action steps:
ā€¢ Write, call or question your legislator
ā€¢ Make a donation
ā€¢ Share information with your networks
ā€¢ Identify and refer potential supporters

All of these are ways to help, and all are appreciated.

As we address the current situation today, we continue to work collaboratively to position Riverbend and the wider community mental health system the best we can to address future challenges. Our team remains focused and committed to providing the care that so many in our community need at this moment.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

As part of Riverbend’s continuing commitment to serving people in need, walk-in intakes for mental health services are now expanding, through our Community Support Program (CSP).

Intakes for adults 18 years and older are now available daily (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“The clinicians and staff at CSP are excited to offer these expanded walk-in intake hours to better serve our community,” said Sheila Mullen, director of Riverbend’s Community Support Program. “By having daily walk-in intakes now five days a week, we hope to reduce barriers for those seeking needed mental health treatments.ĢżThe response to prior walk-in intakes has been positive and has reinforced the need for accessible options for treatment.”

A wide range of services are available, including:

• Case management
• Functional Support
• Therapy
• Medication Management
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• InShape ā€“ fitness program
• Illness Management & Recovery (IMR)
• Supported Employment
• Housing Supports

All intakes are at Riverbend’s CSP offices at 10 West Street in Concord. For more information, call (603) 225-0123. ]]> 12561 /nominations-open-champions-for-mental-health/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:06:59 +0000 /?p=12336 Call for Nominations

18th Annual Champions for Mental Health Awards

51°µĶų Mental Health

A Champion for Mental Health is an individual who:

• Advocates for greater access to mental health services;
• Contributes extraordinary time, talent or treasure to improving the lives of people with mental illness; and/or
• Publicly gives voice to those with mental illness, helping eliminate the stigma and stereotypes that surround the disease.

Previous winners include:

• The Hon. John Broderick, Jr., former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court
• Robert L. Quinn, Commissioner of Safety
• Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster
• Gretchen Grappone, LICSW, training consultant and clinician
• John Barthelmes, former colonel, New Hampshire State Police
• And many more!

Honor those making a difference in the mental health of our local communities – alleviating hardships, serving as an ally, educating or raising awareness, helping those with addictions or mentalĢż illnesses. Winners are honored each fall at Riverbend’s Champions for Mental Health awards ceremony, where members of the public, business leaders, public officials and other interested community members come together in an evening of celebration.

Questions? Contact: development@riverbendcmhc.org

Make your nomination today!

The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 12, 2024.

(Current Riverbend Employees and Board members are not eligible for the award. Champions must live or have spent significant time working on the issue of mental health in Merrimack County or Riverbend’s catchment area).

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 .

The New York Times describes One Friday in April as an ā€œengrossing, necessary book ā€” part memoir, part philosophical treatise ā€” he argues that suicide is ā€˜a disease process, not an act or a choiceā€™. Those who suffer from mental illness and die by (or ā€œofā€) suicide do not take their own lives, Antrim says, but have their lives taken from them.ā€

Donald Antrim is the author of three novels, including Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World, and a memoir, The Afterlife. He has received awards from the MacArthur Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, among others. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

This event is free to the public. Purchase One Friday in April at .

Visit the Event page