When Congresswomen Annie Kuster wanted to hold a briefing on the opioid epidemic in central New Hampshire, she called upon Speare and the Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC) that Speare is in partnership with.

“The opioid and heroin epidemic is one of the PHAC’s top concerns,” says Michelle McEwen, president/CEO of Speare Memorial Hospital, “This made it a perfect pairing, as we are already addressing the issue.”

The central New Hampshire PHAC was formed three years ago by the NH Department of Health and Human Services to work with our regional health network.

Comprised of leaders from community groups focused on public health, our PHAC partners include Speare Memorial Hospital, Mid-State Health Center, Genesis Behavioral Health, Communities for Alcohol- and Drug-free Youth (CADY), Pemi-Baker Community Health, Newfound Area Nursing Association, Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Community (CAP), and town police and fire departments.

After studying community health assessments, the PHAC identified substance misuse prevention as a top public health priority. They have since been coordinating resources to address the opioid and heroin epidemic in central New Hampshire. They have established misuse prevention policies, practices, and evidence-based programs in the region.

“It was great to hear from you about what you are seeing and doing in response to the epidemic in your area,” wrote Congresswoman Kuster following the briefing. She stated that she is committed to continuing to work in Congress on making sure there is the necessary support and resources to help bring an end to the epidemic.

The central New Hampshire regional public health network includes the communities of Alexandria, Ashland, Bristol, Bridgewater, Campton, Ellsworth, Hebron, Holderness, Groton, Lincoln, Livermore, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Warren, Waterville Valley, Wentworth and Woodstock. The Network serves the approximately 27,322 people living in these communities.