News

NAMI NH Executive Director Susan Stearns and Senator Maggie Hassan Recently, NAMI New Hampshire Executive Director Susan Stearns had the honor of visiting Capitol Hill alongside nearly 100 NAMI Executive Directors. At this exchange, NAMI leaders from across the country had the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress to discuss legislative priorities relating […]

December 2024’s Volunteers of the Month are Wendy Wickman and John Dixon! This fall in Ossipee, NH, John and Wendy led the first fully in-person NAMI NH Family-to-Family class since the pandemic, and we couldn’t be more thankful.  Although they had already led Family-to-Family in the past, both were willing to go through the training

by Sam Hawkins Heather Martin at the New Hampshire Legislative Office Building Often, when we talk about advocacy, we talk about the power of stories. Indeed, it is stories of lived experience that form the foundation for change in our communities. For policymakers, stories are a window into the lives and realities of their constituency.

As a grassroots organization serving diverse communities, NAMI New Hampshire works diligently to ensure our programs and services are responsive to the growing and shifting needs of the entire Granite State community. A key aspect of this work is our effort to connect individuals and families with a wide variety of state and national resources

by Sam Hawkins For our mental health system to properly represent the people it serves, those with lived experience must be at the table. Through collaboration with community partners and state agencies, NAMI NH works hard to amplify the voices of lived experience in all aspects of its work. Indeed, it is these stories –

To our dear NAMI NH Family, This election season has been a time of heightened emotions and uncertainty for many. It’s important to remember that our collective dedication to mental health for all and suicide prevention in every community remains steadfast. We will continue to advocate vigorously for policies that prioritize mental health, prevent suicide,

Photo Credit: Headshots Photography NAMI NH’s very own Elaine de Mello was recently honored and recognized for her service to New Hampshire’s mental health community at the 18th Annual Champions for Mental Health Awards hosted by Riverbend Community Mental Health. Each year, this awards ceremony “recognizes individuals or organizations in central New Hampshire who advocate

We extend hearty congratulations to Sharon Stout, Alexa Felix, and Lauren Ariano, who were all recently recognized for their impact as NAMI New Hampshire volunteers at the 2024 Spirit of NH Awards Event hosted by Volunteer NH. Held annually, this event “recognizes those who go above and beyond the call to serve throughout the Granite

October 2024’s Volunteer of the Month is Raya Fratkina! Raya came to NAMI NH a few years ago to provide support to parents/caregivers with children and youth who experience mental health challenges.  She leads a virtual support group twice a month and provides outstanding follow-up to her support group members.  In a recent survey of

“Helping others to understand mental illness, and to find support and hope.” — a NAMI NH volunteer, when asked what is most rewarding about the experience. NAMI New Hampshire touched the lives of more than 50,000 people last year, mostly through the devotion of our volunteers. In fact, it is only through volunteer efforts that