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DHHS seeking public input on reimagined Hampstead Hospital
The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking input from the public and mental health providers and advocates as it transforms Hampstead Hospital from a 16-bed acute care facility for children into an expansive residential and treatment hospital for kids and young adults. “Our goal is to be able to serve every child here […]
Shibinette on ‘functional conflict,’ misinformation, and departing early
When she steps down in December, Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette will technically be leaving her term one year early. By another measure, three years of managing a pandemic crisis is a full term, and then some. “I have 10 dogs at home,” said Shibinette, who announced her departure plans last week. “I […]
‘We are just treading water’: State still struggling to ensure poor people have an attorney
Late last year, several of the state’s most experienced attorneys accepted an urgent invite to the state Supreme Court’s conference room. The state Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald, made a big ask. Crushing caseloads had driven a mass exodus of public defenders, leaving 185 criminal defendants too poor to hire an attorney […]
DHHS is pursuing funding for a new round of family planning contracts
The state Department of Health and Human Services will ask lawmakers Friday to approve additional funding for the state’s family planning program, which has seen deep cuts by Republican executive councilors who disbelieve state assurances the money does not fund abortions. The $1.42 million funding request going to the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee is the […]
Project would help military members with exercise costs to combat substance misuse
The Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services is seeking state approval to spend $500,000 on a new substance misuse prevention initiative that would give the state’s military members money toward a gym membership or exercise equipment. The proposed pilot project, modeled after a fitness benefit within the state’s health insurance plan, will go before […]
For some, state’s hotline may be better option than new 988 national suicide lifeline
Beginning Saturday, help for mental health crises will be available nationwide, 24/7, via a three-digit call or text to 988. But for Granite Staters without 603 phone numbers, that may not be the best option, especially if they need immediate help. The new federal 988 system routes callers to the crisis center closest to their […]
New law requires PTSD training for corrections officers, first responders
Corrections officers, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who aren’t receiving mental health training on post-traumatic stress disorder will have to under a bill signed by Gov. Chris Sununu. Senate Bill 357 also creates a study commission looking at the costs of the training as well as life insurance payouts, retirement benefits, and workers […]
Lori Shibinette, who helped lead state’s COVID response, to resign as DHHS commissioner
Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette will be stepping down in December, with one year remaining of her four-year term. Her tenure as commissioner was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, a mental health crisis, and vaccine politics. In a written statement provided by the department, Shibinette, who is on vacation this week, […]
New law limits charges from long-term care providers
Come September, private long-term care facilities must stop billing for rent and fees 10 days after a resident dies or their belongings have been removed from their room. Only Connecticut currently has such a law, said Brendan Williams, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association. A bill signed by Gov. Chris Sununu […]
Dozens still wait in ERs for mental health care but fewer released prematurely on technicalities
If the state wants to hold someone against their will for emergency mental health treatment, it has three days after completing a petition to get approval from the circuit court. Too often it was missing that deadline, leaving judges no choice but to release people, even those considered dangerous to themselves or others, said Judge […]
With bill signings, state now provides basic oral health care coverage for adults on Medicaid
New Hampshire came off the list Friday of the minority of states that don’t provide adults on Medicaid benefits coverage for basic oral health care, such as regular cleanings, fluoride, and x-rays. Flanked by a crowd of oral health advocates and lawmakers from both parties, Gov. Chris Sununu signed two bills into law that will […]
90,800 Granite Staters could lose Medicaid coverage in October
Between treatment costs for her kidney disease and his spinal surgeries, Shiloh and Denis Velez, both disabled and out of work, can’t afford to lose their Medicaid benefits. So, they didn’t tarry when they learned those benefits would cease if they didn’t recertify their eligibility with the state before the federal public health emergency ends. […]