Community Supports Care For Children In Need

19th Annual Morning Matters Event Draws Advocates, Community Leaders, and Supporters

Earlier this month, Amoskeag Health was pleased to hold its 19^th Annual Morning Matters Breakfast at the Derryfield in Manchester.

“Morning Matters is among our most critical fund and awareness raising events each year,” said Kris McCracken, President and CEO of Amoskeag Health. “All proceeds raised directly benefit health care and supportive services for our patients under the age of 18.” McCracken said that the event builds upon and celebrates the public health legacy of the late Dr. Selma Deitch, a local pediatrician who founded Child Health Services in 1979 to offer full-service healthcare to lower income families.  

“Selma recognized that in addition to quality healthcare, many pediatric patients and their families needed other services, such as access to transportation, interpretation services, specialized testing, and other societal needs,” said McCracken. “Today, our approach provides individualized treatment plans which puts our patients and their needs at the center of all we do.”

Those in attendance heard from a broad array of speakers and local leaders including McCracken, Jay Ruais, Mayor of Manchester, Thom Lavoie, Board Chair of Amoskeag Health, Betsy Burtis, Chief Operating Officer of Amoskeag Health, Steve Paris, MD, Anna Thomas, Director of Public Health for the City of Manchester, Stephanie Pagliuca, Senior Director of Workforce Recruitment at Bi-State Primary Care Association, and Susan McKeown, APRN (ret).

Among the many highlights of the event was a talk from Kristine Stoddard, who shared her family’s experiences in receiving specialized care for her son from Amoskeag Health.

“Sponsors play a critical role at Morning Matters and we are very grateful for their kind support,” noted McCracken.

Program sponsors include AmeriHealth Caritas, Catholic Medical Center, CGI, Efficient Energy Investments, the Harbor Group, Orchard Medical Management, and John Sigel and Sally Reid. Advocate sponsors include Elliot Health System, Needham Bank, NH Healthy Families, Sarah and Rich Sigel, and WellSense Health Plan. Table sponsors include Associated Grocers of New England, Berry Dunn, Granite State Credit Union, Harvey Construction, Lindner Dental, Manchester Community College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Primary Bank, Northeast Delta Dental, Sheehan Phinney, and Solvere Health.

McCracken also thanked the many individuals who have

donated thus far.  “We’re also excited to announce that an anonymous donor has pledged $1,000 match for any additional donations made by June 30^th.  Click here to make your donation today.