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Nearly all towns in the state have submitted paperwork for American Rescue Plan money
All but two New Hampshire towns have submitted paperwork to claim their American Rescue Plan money, and even with the deadline extended to Friday that’s unlikely to change. Officials in Sharon, which was allotted $19,300, decided to pass because they didn’t think they had any projects that would qualify, said Selectman Diane Callahan. “There are […]
Booster shots, third doses, and other vaccination topics covered during Q&A
With so much attention on vaccine boosters and third doses, state epidemiologist Dr. Ben Chan would like you to know this: They are different things for different populations, and most people aren’t yet eligible for either. Chan returned to that point a few times in a Thursday Zoom call with more than 300 health care […]
Health and Human Services officials questioned about vaccine promotion campaign
When asked by an executive councilor how the state is measuring the effectiveness of its $435,000 vaccine promotion campaign – and how it will evaluate a second $844,000 campaign contract passed Wednesday – a state Department of Health and Human Services spokesman gave a list of numbers. And when asked whether future vaccine promotions would […]
State eliminates documentation requirement for gender X marker on licenses, identification cards
Since 2014, the Division of Motor Vehicles has required the signature of a health care provider from anyone making a gender change. Beginning last year that also applied for those choosing X as their gender. But it was never required by law. A Granite State College student has put an end to that practice. Rho […]
‘It’s definitely not getting better’: The hiring struggle continues for employers
In the current housing crisis, none of New England Family Housing’s 600 rental units across the state should be vacant. But some are and for longer than CEO Kevin Lacasse would like because he can’t find maintenance workers or even subcontractors for quick plumbing and electrical jobs. He blames federal pandemic aid. “With the stimulus […]
Vaccine van launches 17-stop tour of state parks
The state’s mobile vaccine van launched a 17-stop tour of state parks this week and is offering an incentive to anyone who visits and gets vaccinated: a day pass to a state park or historic site. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases climb to levels not seen since late April; there were 245 new cases […]
Expanded contract sought for marketing firm to promote vaccination
At Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, the state Department of Health and Human Services will ask to increase its $434,500 contract with a Manchester marketing firm to $1.3 million to continue promoting COVID-19 vaccination through 2022. Under the expanded contract, GYK Antler will still use social media, radio and television spots, and billboards to try to […]
Messaging is a big challenge when it comes to changing minds among the state’s unvaccinated
This story was updated Aug. 16, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. to reflect the state’s most recent contract with GYK Antler. There is no shortage of vaccine “messaging” advice for states like New Hampshire, which appears at a standstill with 39 percent of residents eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine not yet vaccinated. Here’s the challenge: Messaging […]
New state law requires electronic prescriptions for controlled drugs
New Hampshire has joined nearly 40 other states in addressing its opioid epidemic by requiring electronic prescriptions for controlled drugs with a few exceptions. Pharmacists, however, are not required to prove a requested exception is valid, and there are no penalties for violating the new law – at least not now. Instead, licensing boards will […]
Pair of new laws add to state’s gambling options
This story was updated Aug. 23, 2021 to correct the changes Senate Bill 22 makes to Lucky 7 tickets. New Hampshire is expanding its gambling options under two new state laws signed by Gov. Chris Sununu Tuesday. A third law will transfer background checks for charitable gaming licenses from the state Attorney General’s Office to […]
‘It’s wicked confusing’: Dozens of towns have not filed paperwork to receive relief funds
With an Aug. 18 deadline approaching and significant money at stake, 50 towns had not filed the paperwork required to collect their American Rescue Plan payments as of Tuesday. Many said they intend to, but some, especially smaller ones without grant writers and town administrators, are hesitant, citing “onerous” reporting requirements and uncertainty about what […]
Veterans Home’s internal assessment of COVID-19 response focused on only three of 37 deaths
In a self-assessment of its COVID-19 response, the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton reviewed its safety protocols, policies, supply inventory, and staffing levels, but only three of 37 resident deaths because those made the news. Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, a Democrat from Concord, had asked for the report and said it fell short of […]