Concord, N.H. (September 8, 2023) – Suicide is a preventable public health problem. In advance of NH and National Suicide Prevention Week, September 10-16, the New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Council hosted a press conference with Governor Sununu and Council representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to discuss statewide efforts and resources geared to prevent suicide. Speakers highlighted the community impact of NH Rapid Response/988, the launch of Strong As Granite, a new public awareness campaign, and the NH Suicide Prevention Council’s new website, offering a statewide resource for suicide prevention.
In New Hampshire, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 15 to 34 and the ninth leading cause of death overall.
“When we’re talking about mental health and suicide prevention, we’re talking about people,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “New Hampshire has focused our efforts on implementing systems that meet the needs of the individual. While we’re recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, our efforts continue 365 days a year to put the community resources in place to reduce stigma and care for those in crisis.”
The NH Suicide Prevention Council is dedicated to increasing awareness of suicide prevention, addressing the mental health and substance concern needs of all residents, supporting those affected by suicide and promoting policy change. During the press conference, the NH Suicide Prevention Council launched a new website, PreventSuicideNH.org.
“This new website provides resources to support mental health and suicide prevention in the Granite State for caregivers, schools, survivors of suicide loss, military and more,” said Shamera Simpson, NH Suicide Prevention Council Vice Chair. “PreventSuicideNH.org illustrates New Hampshire’s continued commitment to strengthening suicide prevention efforts statewide.”
New Hampshire has taken important steps in preparation for the transition to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on July 16, 2022 including strengthening the state’s long standing Lifeline center, adding a secondary lifeline center, implementing NH Rapid Response which includes statewide mobile crisis response, increasing mental health training for first responders, and building a peer workforce, along with other priority items of the 10-Year Mental Health Plan which will reduce emergency department boarding and increase timely access to mental health treatment.
“I have been in mental health treatment since I was an adolescent,” said Karen Privé of Franklin, who shared her story at the press conference. “Medication, therapy and support groups help a lot and I have had periods of stability but even with treatment I continue to struggle with depression, complex PTSD and suicidal thoughts. Last year was particularly tough and led to me contacting NH Rapid Response and there is no doubt in my mind that calling saved my life. Rapid Response and mobile crisis teams were phenomenal, and I am grateful to still be here to be to be a writer, an advocate, a wife, a stepmom, a grammy and a friend.”
The NH Department of Health and Human Services announced a new public awareness campaign, Strong As Granite, which will help those in New Hampshire connect with support like Karen received. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about the services available to make it easier to find support, giving people the courage to take the first step in seeking help for themselves or for someone they care about. The campaign will feature the Rapid Response Access Point, the 988 Hotline and 211 the Doorways program via 211.
“As parents, teachers, neighbors and coworkers, let’s all take responsibility to be part of a systemwide solution to ensure a brighter future for everyone,” said Governor Sununu.
Should you or someone you know need mental health or substance use crisis care in New Hampshire, please call or text the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 1-833-710-6477 or visit NH988.com. If you need assistance outside NH, please call or text 988. Both are available 24/7.
A copy of Governor Chris Sununu’s proclamation can be found here.
