New drug to reverse opioid overdoses
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced the availability of nalmefene, a new medication for reversing opioid overdoses, statewide. According to a press release, pharmacies across New Hampshire are authorized to dispense nalmefene to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and their support networks. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to combat substance use disorder, with Gov. Chris Sununu and DHHS Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Ballard emphasizing its importance in saving lives. “Yet again, New Hampshire is increasing access to every resource possible in our continued work to combat substance use disorder and save lives,” Gov. Sununu said in the release. “With this tool, we increase opportunity to partner Granite Staters in need with the variety of recovery resources available and put them on a path to a brighter future.” Nalmefene, which is particularly effective against potent opioids like fentanyl, will be provided at no cost to Medicaid beneficiaries in New Hampshire. This announcement complements the existing availability of naloxone and the state’s investment in opioid response initiatives, including the establishment of The Doorways program for substance use disorder support and the statewide placement of NaloxBoxes in 2023.
Insurance news
New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) staff have been appointed to key roles within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), positioning New Hampshire at the forefront of discussions and decisions that impact insurance regulations and policies nationwide. According to a press release, Christian Citarella is now Chair of the Casualty Actuarial and Statistical (C) Task Force, while Commissioner DJ Bettencourt serves as Vice Chair of the NAIC/Consumer Liaison Committee and the Consumer Participation Board of Trustees. These appointments, along with others in various task forces, help to ensure that New Hampshire residents’ interests and concerns are directly represented at a national level in the insurance sector.
Child protection
Senate Majority Leader Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) has introduced two bills, SB 459-FN and SB 463-FN, aimed at bolstering protections for children. According to a press release, SB 463-FN proposes expanding access to court-appointed counsel for children involved in dependency proceedings, specifically for those in group homes or child care institutions. Meanwhile, SB 459-FN seeks to amend the child protection act by including restraint or seclusion in the definition of institutional child abuse or neglect, updating the presumption of harm and enhancing the mandatory reporting law.
Awards
Four members of Dartmouth Health — Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD), Dartmouth Cancer Center, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, and New London Hospital — have received national recognition from Press Ganey, a leader in health care experience solutions. According to a press release, APD’s Emergency Department and New London Hospital Express Care were awarded the Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience, with APD receiving this honor for the second consecutive year. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center earned the same award for Employee Experience. Dartmouth Cancer Center, New Hampshire’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, received the Pinnacle of Excellence Award for the fourth year in a row, ranking in the top five percent of health care organizations for exceptional patient experience. These accolades are part of Press Ganey’s annual evaluation of top hospitals and health systems for patient experience.
Funds for northern New Hampshire
The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has been awarded nearly $3 million in federal funds, aimed at supporting economic development in New Hampshire, Maine, New York and Vermont. According to a press release, this funding, allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant Program, will assist in enhancing rural businesses, outdoor recreation and workforce development in these states. Specific allocations in New Hampshire include the Coös Economic Development Council, Upper Valley Snowsports/Whaleback, White Mountain Science, Inc., and Shugah Valley Snow Riders. The funding is a result of legislative efforts that included the expansion of the NBRC’s scope in the 2018 Farm Bill and increased funding in government funding legislations for FY2023 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aims to support infrastructure and community development projects in the region.
The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee hosted the Concord Update on Jan. 26 at Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course in Salem. According to a press release, this event provided Chamber members and local citizens an opportunity to hear from State Representatives about current business matters in Concord.
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund (BCAF) of the Diocese of Manchester has announced the opening of its grant application period for the Spring 2024 cycle, with a submission deadline of Feb. 21. According to a press release, the BCAF, focusing on projects that address basic needs, welcomes applications from all 501(c)(3) organizations in New Hampshire, irrespective of religious affiliation. Funding comes from donations by individuals, businesses and philanthropic entities. See catholicnh.org/BCAF.
The Nashua Garden Club is hosting a program featuring Kerry Ann Mendez, a garden design consultant and author. According to a press release, the event, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Nashua, will showcase a pre-recorded video titled “Clever Design Tips for Everblooming, Low-Maintenance Gardens.” The program aims to provide insights to help gardeners avoid common landscaping mistakes. This event is open to all. Visit nashuanhgardenclub.org
