NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

"People who are currently unhoused should be able to access the treatment they need and everyone should be able to have a safe place to lay their head at night..." – NAMI NH Exec. Dir. Susan Stearns https://lnkd.in/eAiURTc8

"We, the undersigned...call on our elected leaders and our communities to invest in solutions, not punishments, to address homelessness in the Granite State." NAMI NH joined with more than 15 organizations – read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/dysfk9Zv

NAMI NH is pleased to share that Liz Hodgkins, CVA, is the organization's new Deputy Director. Liz has been on staff at NAMI NH for the past 10 years, serving most recently as Director of Adult Programs. Certified in Volunteer Administration, Liz has worked to strengthen NAMI NH’s services by developing more robust volunteer programming and cultivating relationships with an essential network of 200+ statewide volunteers. During her tenure with NAMI NH, she has managed NAMI Signature Programs, coordinated state-wide events, and continually grown community connections to improve access to mental health support and resources. On welcoming Liz to her new position, Executive Director Susan Stearns noted, “We are fortunate to have Liz’s leadership as she assumes her new role. Throughout her tenure, she has worked to ensure the voices of individuals and families with lived experience inform not only NAMI NH’s programming but are leveraged to help improve systems statewide.” NAMI NH Deputy Director Liz Hodgkins shared, " As I embark on this journey, I am deeply grateful to continue to collaborate with outstanding colleagues and volunteers dedicated to making a difference for Granite Staters impacted by mental illness and suicide – I am proud of all we accomplish together.”

NAMI NH is deeply disheartened by the passage of HB 619, HB 1205, and HB 1312 – bills that curtail the rights of LGBTQ+ Granite Staters – and limit the protections that should be afforded to all our young people. Throughout this session, legislators and policymakers heard directly from countless Granite Staters, especially youth and their families, how these bills will jeopardize the mental health and very lives of LGBTQ+ young people. Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/eqj3ex5k

Happy retirement, Bernie – we’ll miss you! Today is NAMI NH Deputy Director Bernie Seifert’s last work day – though she remains a treasured member of our NAMI NH Family. Bernie has been on staff at NAMI NH for the past 16 years, serving as Director of Adult Programs before becoming Deputy Director. Reflecting on Bernie’s time with NAMI NH, Executive Director Susan Stearns noted, "NAMI NH has been exceptionally fortunate that Bernie has shared her wealth of experience, common sense, profound empathy, and good humor for all of these years. Her leadership has been pivotal to the growth of our initiatives for Granite Staters across the lifespan.” NAMI NH is deeply grateful to Bernie for her steadfast dedication to improving lives affected by mental illness and suicide. Countless individuals are now connected to support, connected to hope, and connected to their communities because of her work. Thank you, Bernie – we’re not saying goodbye, just see you soon. 💚

"Lewis says she has learned much about the system while advocating for her daughters’ mental health care needs. And working for NAMI NH has been empowering. 'We’ve been through it and can absolutely be there for others going through tough times too,' she says." 💚 https://lnkd.in/e9itVcjT To connect with free NH mental health resources & support, contact NAMI NH's Info & Resource Line at 1-800-242-6264 (press 4) or info@NAMINH.org.

NAMI NH Executive Director Susan Stearns was thrilled to present Samantha K. Swetter, MD with the NAMI National Exemplary Psychiatrist of the Year Award – this is an exceptionally well-deserved honor. NAMI NH is profoundly grateful to Dr. Swetter for her steadfast dedication to improving the lives of Granite Staters affected by mental illness. https://lnkd.in/eirB83fD

Congratulations to these Law Enforcement Officers on becoming certified in the 40-hr Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training! Thank you to Chief Killary of Boscawen PD for hosting – and to all volunteers, staff, and presenters! Learn about CIT: https://lnkd.in/eSyH6CX4

Culturally competent mental health care shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be the norm in our society. #ShadesofMentalHealth BIPOC, AAPI, & Latinx Mental Health Resources: NAMINH.org/BIPOC

It was a good morning for mental health in NH! 💚 Governor Sununu signed the Social Work Compact into law – increasing access to mental health services. Thank you to all of the advocates who supported HB 1190 throughout the legislative session! #HopeStartsWithYou NAMI NH's Bernie Seifert, Holly Stevens, and Sam Hawkins were grateful to join fellow advocates at the State House to celebrate this win for mental health. NAMI NH Testimony Supporting HB 1190: https://lnkd.in/e62iUZMR