NH Delegation Announces $500,000 for Lakes Region Mental Health Center to Support Mental Health and SUD Outreach to the Homeless Population

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) in announcing $500,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is headed to the Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMC) to support mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Specifically, these funds will support the hiring of a dedicated staff member at LRMC to perform outreach to homeless individuals living with mental health challenges and SUDs and help facilitate treatment options.

“We must continue to invest in a multi-pronged approach to combat the addiction crisis, including increasing access to mental health care,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will support efforts in New Hampshire to address the mental health crisis, prevent substance misuse, and help those suffering from addiction. I will keep fighting to deliver resources to organizations in New Hampshire working to support those in need and combat this epidemic.”

“As the substance use disorder crisis continues to impact communities across New Hampshire, I’m glad to see these funds headed to Lakes Region Mental Health Center to support outreach services,” said Senator Shaheen. “Investing in treatment and outreach is essential to eradicating these illicit substances and addressing the mental health crisis. I’ll continue working to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to combat this epidemic.”

“Everywhere I go in New Hampshire, people talk to me about devastating impacts of the opioid crisis and the need to do more to address the mental health crisis,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to announce this federal grant that will help people in the Lakes Region who are struggling with mental health challenges or opioid misuse. I will continue working to address these pressing issues with the seriousness that they deserve.”

“Every life lost to substance use disorder is a tragedy – we must do more to ensure our communities can access the treatment they need to heal and thrive,” said Congresswoman Kuster, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force.“I’m proud to help announce these resources heading to the Lakes Regional Mental Health Center to support our neighbors and expand access to mental health care. I will continue working to address the substance use disorder and mental health crisis and eliminate the stigma around treatment.”

“Lakes Region Mental Health Center is thrilled to receive this grant from SAMHSA to benefit homeless individuals and families in the Lakes Region Service area.  The project will provide those who are experiencing homelessness with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders increased access to services, in a comprehensive system of supports in partnership with our community service partner organizations.  Working together during the five-year grant period, we will provide critical linkages improving recovery outcomes and resulting in healthier communities,” said Maggie Pritchard, LRMHC CEO.

“The number of people in our area experiencing homelessness has risen dramatically from pre-pandemic levels. In partnership with area service providers and treatment organizations, this SAMHSA funding will enable Lakes Region Mental Health Care to increase access and availability of services and with a high focus on outreach and engagement, in an effort to avoid people falling through the cracks. Services we will be able to offer through this funding will include integrated behavioral health care, and substance use disorder recovery support services. Financial support for recovery housing, childcare, and transportation will help to reduce barriers that may have been preventing this population from receiving the care that they need for recovery,” said Beth Vachon, LRMHC Director of Development & Public Relations.