July 2, 2025 Imagine coming home with your newborn after a healthy pregnancy, only to find that she cries in pain every time she eats. That was Tim and his wife’s experience with their daughter, Hadley. At first, they thought it was just the usual stress of new parenthood. But the crying didn’t stop. She began refusing to eat, and her weight started to drop. After weeks of worry and visits to their pediatrician, they were referred to Amoskeag Health, where they found the answers they’d been searching for. A team of specialists from our Nutrition, Feeding, and Swallowing program came directly to their home. They helped uncover the cause of Hadley’s discomfort, severe food allergies, and have guided the family through every step forward. Because care came to them, Tim and his wife didn’t have to take time off work or travel to specialists hours away. Amoskeag Health made it possible for them to care for their daughter and keep their lives on track. Watch the video to hear Tim share what Amoskeag Health has meant to his family: We meet families where they are, literally. With your support, we can keep bringing expert care straight to the homes of babies like Hadley, so parents don’t have to choose between missing work and getting help.

By: Amoskeag Health May 27, 2025 Scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people. They want your money, your personal information, or both, and they often pretend to be someone you trust to get it. Older adults are targeted more often than others because scammers believe they are more likely to answer the phone, trust authority figures, or feel rushed to respond. One of the biggest ways scammers try to fool older adults is through fake Medicare or Medicaid calls. These scams can sound very real, but they are designed to steal your information or charge you for things you do not need. The good news is that you can protect yourself. When you know the signs of a scam, it is easier to spot a lie and stop it before it causes harm. Learning what to watch for and the common scams that are used can help keep yourself, your money, and your personal information safe.   Medicare and Medicaid Scams Some scammers pretend to be from Medicare or Medicaid. They may ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account information. They might say things like: You need a new Medicare card and must confirm your number You have to pay a fee to keep your benefits They can send you free medical equipment if you just give them your Medicare number How to stay safe: Medicare will not call or text you without warning Do not share your Medicare number over the phone or online If you are not sure if it’s a scam, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)   EZ Pass Scam You might get a text message that says you owe money for unpaid tolls that includes a link. That link could lead to a fake website that steals your personal and payment information. How to stay safe: Do not click on any links in surprise messages about EZ Pass Go directly to the EZ Pass website or call their customer service Delete any messages that seem suspicious Grandparent Scam A scammer may pretend to be your grandchild in trouble. They may say they were in an accident or got arrested and need money right away. Sometimes scammers can make the call appear as if it’s coming from a familiar phone number. How to stay safe: Hang up and call your grandchild or another family member to check Never send money or gift cards to someone you do not know   Tech Support Scam You may get a phone call or a pop-up message saying your computer has a virus. The scammer offers to fix it if you give them remote access or pay a fee. How to stay safe: Do not click on pop-ups or links from unknown sources If you need help with your computer, call someone you trust or a well-known tech company   Fake Charity Scam Scammers ask for donations to fake charities, especially after disasters or during the holidays. How to stay safe: Check if the charity is real by going to CharityNavigator.org or Give.org Do not donate using gift cards, wire transfers, or cash   Sweepstakes or Prize Scam You are told you won a prize, but you have to pay a fee or taxes before you can claim it. How to stay safe: If you did not enter a contest, you did not win Real sweepstakes will not ask for money up front If it seems too good to be true, it probably is Avoid Being Scammed! Be careful with unexpected calls, emails, or texts. Do not share personal information like your Social Security number or bank account by phone or email. Talk to someone you trust if you are unsure about something. Take your time. Do not feel pressured to act quickly. Scammers rely on people acting before they have time to think about what is happening. Use strong passwords and do not reuse them. Use a password keeper to make it easier to remember these passwords instead of using the same one. Sign up for scam alerts from the Federal Trade Commission or AARP Fraud Watch Network . Shred papers that include personal or financial information before throwing them away. Hang up on robocalls. If a message tells you to press a number to talk to someone, just hang up. Better yet, let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail or the answering machine. Be careful about information you give out on social media. Some posts ask people to comment if they remember the name of their first-grade teacher. These can be fun trips down memory lane but are also answers to commonly used security questions. If You Think You Have Been Scammed Stop all contact with the scammer. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Tell someone you trust, like a family member or friend.

By: Amoskeag Health June 9, 2025 Summer is almost here, and that means more time outside swimming, hiking, playing sports, or just relaxing in your backyard! Being out in the sun can be a lot of fun but too much sun can hurt your skin, even on cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself, and sunscreen is one of the best ways to do that.   Why Sunscreen Matters The sun gives off invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can damage your skin in just 15 minutes. There are two kinds of UV rays. UVA rays go deep into your skin and can cause wrinkles and other long-term damage. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. Both types can raise your risk of skin cancer. Even if your skin doesn’t burn easily, UV rays can still do harm. That’s why sunscreen is important for people of all skin tones. Protecting your skin now can help you stay healthy later on. Sunscreen is helpful for most people, but it’s not right for everyone. Babies under 6 months old have skin that is extra sensitive. Sunscreen is not safe for them unless your provider says it’s okay. The best way to protect babies this age is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Shade, light clothing, and wide-brimmed hats can help.   Smart Sunscreen Tips If you are older than 6 months, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine when spending time outdoors. Here are some easy ways to protect your skin: Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Use SPF 30 or higher. A higher SPF gives stronger protection. Apply a good amount. You need about one ounce to cover your whole body. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes ahead of going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or sooner if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t miss spots. Remember your ears, neck, hands, and the tops of your feet. Wear it even on cloudy days. UV rays can still reach your skin when the sun isn’t shining brightly. Check the expiration date! Sunscreen loses its strength over time. If there isn’t an expiration date on the bottle, don’t use it if it’s more than three years old.   Sunscreen works best when you use it along with other sun safety habits: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck, and ears. Use sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes. Stay in the shade during the sun’s strongest hours, usually between 10 AM and 2 PM. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you can. Some clothes are made with special fabric that helps block UV rays even more. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays, but using sunscreen along with hats, clothing, and shade can help keep your skin healthy. Have fun this summer and don’t forget your sunscreen!

June 2, 2025 Amoskeag Health meets people where they are, even when they’re struggling. Emily Carrara is one of our many caring team members helping people through recovery. In this video, Emily shares a story about someone she worked with who had a setback after a year of sobriety. Instead of giving up on them, she kept the door open and helped them take the next steps when they were ready. Watch the video to hear how a small act of support made a difference and why Emily believes more is possible for everyone. Our team works every day to meet people with patience and hope, even when the path is hard. Your donation helps Amoskeag Health keep programs like this going. When you give, you support Emily and the rest of our team guide people toward recovery.

May 14, 2025 At just ten years old, Jasmine had already missed a significant amount of school. Mornings were hard, and staying home had become routine. So, when her dad came to the school’s front door and asked if she could start her day with Mrs. Lauren, everyone paid attention. Lauren Lisembee, a School-Based Behavioral Health Clinician with Amoskeag Health, adjusted her schedule right away. She knew how important it was to meet students in the moments when they’re open to connection. That morning, Jasmine and Mrs. Lauren kept things simple. They painted together. They took a short walk. They talked a little. There was no pressure, just time with a trusted adult who made her feel safe. By the end of their time together, Jasmine was calm and ready. She walked into class on her own. It was a small, quiet moment. But for a student who struggles to even make it through the school’s front door, it was a meaningful one. This is what school-based behavioral health can do. It creates space for students to reconnect, reset, and return to learning at their own pace and in their own way. Sometimes, that makes all the difference. Your support helps moments like this happen. Your gift helps students like Jasmine find calm, connection, and a path back to learning right when they need it most.

February 27, 2025 Zachary’s journey with addiction began when he was just a teenager. Today, he is four years sober and focused on building a better life. In this video, he shares his story, including the struggles, the turning points, and the support that made all the difference. His experience is a powerful reminder that change is possible, and no one has to go through it alone. Recovery is possible with the right support. Amoskeag Health provides judgment-free care, helping people access the treatment and resources they need to rebuild their lives. Your donation ensures that more people like Zachary get the help they deserve. Make a difference today by donating to Amoskeag Health.

November 11, 2024 When Stephen first came to Amoskeag Health, he had already taken an incredible first step, literally. He walked from Concord to Manchester just to make it to his first appointment. That walk was more than just a physical journey. It symbolized the long path he was about to take toward rebuilding his life. Stephen had been incarcerated, and the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. He was carrying a lifetime of trauma with the odds stacked against him. But, like his determined walk from Concord to Manchester, Stephen kept moving forward one step at a time. Stephen was in a difficult battle to reunite with his son. During this time, Stephen followed every recommendation from the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, determined to make it happen. But as he worked through the process, Stephen came to an important realization: he couldn't focus solely on changing for his son. He needed to change for himself, too. He understood that to truly support his son, he had to care for his own well-being first. Amoskeag Health became a reliable support system throughout Stephen’s journey. With the help of the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) team, Stephen got on a medication plan that improved his mental health. Counseling sessions helped him work through his trauma, and the case management team worked with him to secure disability benefits and find an apartment, giving him the stability he needed to keep pushing forward. But Stephen didn’t stop there. He worked hard to develop the skills that would help him navigate life’s challenges: learning how to manage stress, advocate for himself, and regulate his emotions. Each new skill was another step forward, and with every step, Stephen grew stronger and more determined. In July 2024, Stephen reached a major milestone. DCYF reunited him with his son, a moment that marked not just the end of one journey but the beginning of a new chapter. At that time, Stephen had been sober for 1.5 years outside of prison, proving his strength and commitment. Stephen’s story reminds us that, just like his walk from Concord to Manchester, recovery is a journey. With the right support, like the care from Amoskeag Health, and the determination to keep going, even the hardest paths can lead to a brighter future. Help make more journeys like Stephen’s possible. Your donation to Amoskeag Health supports individuals on their path to recovery, stability, and brighter futures. Give today and be a part of transforming lives.

April 6, 2025 Our CEO, Kris McCracken, was recently interviewed on WMUR’s New Hampshire’s Business with Fred Kocher. She was joined by Robert MacLeod, CEO of Mid-State Health Center. In the segment, Kris talks about how proposed cuts to Medicaid could hurt patients across New Hampshire. She explains that these changes may cause people to delay care or skip important appointments, which can lead to more serious health problems over time. She also discusses the workforce challenges that health centers like Amoskeag Health are facing, including the difficulty of hiring and keeping staff. These issues have a direct impact on the care available to patients. Watch the full segment below to learn more about how health centers are working to keep care accessible.

By: The Healthcare Team at Amoskeag Health January 13, 2025 Winter means cold and flu season and we have seen an increase in colds and the flu in our community. While it’s tough to avoid all germs, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.   Get Your Flu Shot One of the best ways to stay healthy is by getting a flu shot. The flu vaccine helps protect you from getting sick and can make your symptoms milder if you do catch the flu. At Amoskeag Health, flu shots are available for all patients aged six months and older, regardless of insurance. You can schedule your flu shot through our Patient Portal or by calling us at 603-626-9500. Getting your flu shot not only helps you but also helps prevent the spread of the flu to others, especially those who may be more vulnerable, like young children and older adults.     Tips to Stay Healthy Here are some everyday things you can do to stay healthy this season: Wash Your Hands:  Washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to remove germs. If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Avoid Touching Your Face:  Germs can easily enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Try to avoid touching your face, especially when your hands aren’t clean. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes:  Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This simple habit helps stop germs from spreading. Stay Home When Sick:  If you’re not feeling well, it’s best to stay home and rest. This helps you recover faster and prevents spreading illness to others.   Amoskeag Health is Here to Help We’re here to support you. If you have any questions about flu shots or home tests, please reach out. You can call us at 603-626-9500 or talk to your provider during your next visit.

Northeast Delta Dental responds generously to the call for emergency funds to ensure continuity of integrated healthcare services. New Hampshire’s community safety net is comprised of 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) located throughout the state, serving the healthcare needs of over 102,400 people annually. This year, t he four largest of these health centers faced critical financial shortfalls totaling $3.5M, as of May of 2023. This loss is the result of years of a public health pandemic, Medicaid reimbursement below market rates, and an eroding 340B pharmaceutical  savings program that helps patients purchase drugs at lower costs. To continue services that provide essential primary health care, behavioral health therapy, substance use disorder services, and vital community connections, Northeast Delta Dental responded to the call for emergency stabilization funding with a $500,000 gift. Kris McCracken, President and CEO, Amoskeag Health, Manchester, identified the collective need for support to stabilize the state’s health safety net, “Without access, people will burden emergency departments or go without critical treatment for prevention, management, and care for chronic or emerging conditions. The impact of the Northeast Delta Dental gift resonates across the state to our populations with limited access to health care .” She expanded on the importance of FQHCs, “Community Health Centers employ highly trained providers and care staff who have the expertise to remove barriers to care and address the whole person – their different needs, housing issues, behavioral health, and many other socioeconomic challenges.” Serving residents across southern Coos County and Northern Grafton County, Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, like all FQHCs, is a primary care practice that provides comprehensive and enabling services in a medically underserved region . Ed Shanshala, CEO, said “With this gift, we can retain the exceptional staff who provide a broad range of services in a cost-effective, single location that address physical, mental, and oral healthcare as well as wraparound services.” Beyond providing medical care, community health centers offer behavioral health care, social work, enrollment assistance, and other services. “Determinants like substance misuse, untreated mental illness, and housing and food insecurity all challenge New Hampshire’s ability to attract businesses, educate our young people, and maintain a productive workforce,” said Jim Avrett, CEO at Greater Seacoast Community Health, which operates health centers in Portsmouth and Somersworth. “By helping sustain our capacity to address these issues with our patients, the funding from Northeast Delta Dental ultimately improves the well-being of all of us in the state.” All FQHCs have a large percentage of patients who are uninsured or insured by Medicaid and Medicare. Lamprey Health co-CEO, Greg White, said “This year we saw the first adjustment since 2011 to align reimbursement rates with the increasing cost of providing care. For some NH FQHCs, up to half of our patients are in the Medicaid category, which was covering only 80% of the cost of care. Moving forward, the adjustment will ensure continued services for the long term while this significant gift will help us to sustain services through the accumulated losses.”   President & CEO, Tom Raffio, said that when the call came in to boost up the safety net of community health across the state, Northeast Delta Dental had to respond. “We recognize that partnerships are vital to the success of community health and well-being. Addressing holistic health care (physical, mental, and oral) and strengthening community partnerships are essential to continue improving patient care across the state.”

August 27, 2024 At Amoskeag Health, we’re proud of our ongoing partnership with the Manchester School District. Together, we work hard to support students and their families by providing important services directly within the schools. We’ve made some updates to our school-based programs for the 2024-2025 school year to better serve the needs of the community. While we no longer have a provider in the schools for acute healthcare, our School-Based Behavioral Health Clinicians (BHCs) are still working in many schools. They are available at Bakersville, Beech Street, Gossler Park, McDonough, Weston, Hillside, McLaughlin, Parkside, Central High, Memorial High, and Manchester School of Technology. Our BHCs help students with things like stress, behavior problems, and issues with friends. Any student can use these services, even if they are not patients of Amoskeag Health. We also have Community Health Workers at Bakersville, Beech Street, and Weston Elementary Schools. They help students and families with problems like not having enough food, needing a place to live, or facing legal and money issues. They can also help fill out forms for services like WIC, SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid, and assist with additional barriers. We’ve also started a vision program at Gossler Park and Beech Street schools. Students who need more eye care after school screenings will be referred to our Family Eye Care Center. The Family Eye Care will provide the care they need, whether or not they have a primary care provider with Amoskeag Health patients. Some students may even qualify for free glasses. Amoskeag Health is here to make sure every student has the help they need to do well in school and beyond. We’re excited to support Manchester students and their families this school year.

August 21, 2024 The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has launched a new website that offers and in-depth look at the history of Health Centers. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we’re proud to be part of this legacy of providing healthcare to those who need it most. Health Centers have been a cornerstone of the American healthcare system since the 1960s, established to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or location, could access essential healthcare services. What began as a small initiative has grown into a nationwide network of over 15,000 health centers, serving more than 30 million people each year. These centers play a fundamental role in ensuring access to quality care, offering a range of services from primary care to mental health support. New Hampshire’s FQHCs, including Amoskeag Health, are key contributors to this mission. We began our journey in 1993 as the Manchester Community Health Center, dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of Manchester’s residents. Over the years, we’ve grown to become an important resource for our community, particularly for low-income families and New Americans. By offering comprehensive services that go beyond traditional healthcare, we embody the mission of FQHCs to provide care that is accessible, affordable, and community centered. The influence of FQHCs, including those in New Hampshire, goes well beyond just providing healthcare. On a national scale, these centers save billions of dollars by decreasing the need for costly emergency visits and hospital stays. They also boost the economy by creating jobs and sparking economic activity in their communities. In New Hampshire, FQHCs are particularly impactful, serving 1 in 14 residents. They not only enhance health outcomes but also drive economic growth in the state through job creation and significant economic contributions. At Amoskeag Health, we are proud to play a role in this larger mission to strengthen our communities. To learn more about the national history and impact of Health Centers, we encourage you to explore HRSA’s new website. It explores the development of Health Centers and their ongoing contributions to the lives of millions across the country. Visit the HRSA website to learn more.