Amoskeag Health Receives Grant From The Pearl Manor Fund April 1, 2026 L-R: Kelli Rafferty, Elliot Health System VP & Chief Philanthropy Officer; Nicole Clark, Amoskeag Health Manager of Social Services; Kat Sutton Amoskeag Health Older Adult Case Manager Amoskeag Health is excited to announce that it has received a major grant from the Pearl Manor Fund to support its work dedicated to older adults. “Within our Case Management Department, we have a dedicated Older Adult Case Manager (OACM) who works to help our patients navigate challenges and access services they need to enjoy healthy, independent lives, said Kris McCracken, President/CEO of Amoskeag Health, “This kind gift from the Pearl Manor Fund helps us strengthen our programs which focus on the specific needs of older adults.” Part of the Mary and John Elliot Foundation, the Pearl Manor Fund provides annual grants to local nonprofits for the specific purpose of providing assistance, comfort, care, and treatment for the elderly population of Manchester and surrounding communities. According to Kat Sutton, an Older Adult Case Manager at Amoskeag Health, the health center has seen a 33% increase in the number of older adults served since the pandemic. “In addition to chronic care needs, older adults are often impacted by social isolation which is a risk factor in and of itself,” she said. “Our dedicated team meets with patients and their families to evaluate and assess living conditions, transportation needs, and connections to social service programs, as well as the patient’s health needs.” Sutton added that this grant funding is critical in that many of the supportive services offered by Amoskeag are not covered by insurance but are vital in reducing cost of care. McCracken noted that over the past year, Amoskeag Health has cared for over 15,000 patients from infants to older adults and that more than half of those patients live at or below the federal poverty line. “Thanks to the support from the Pearl Manor Fund, we are able to continue to create and support healthier pathways for older adults,” she said.

March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the risks associated with this increasingly common disease. Kristin Schmidt, Certified Physician Associate at Amoskeag Health, shares more insight into what we can do to prevent, catch and treat colorectal cancer. Research on colorectal cancer is constantly evolving. What recent findings are most relevant for the general public? The most striking finding in 2026 is the "two-speed" trend in the United States. While rates continue to decline among adults 65+, they are rising in people under 65, particularly those in their 40s. Recent data shows that 75% of colorectal cancers in adults under 50 are being diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, the 5-year survival rate for local-stage disease is 95%, highlighting that "late discovery" is the primary hurdle, not the disease's treatability. What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer? Many people with CRC have no symptoms in the early stages. When they do appear, they often include: Changes in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts more than a few days Rectal bleeding: bright red blood or very dark/tarry stools Abdominal discomfort: persistent cramping, gas, or pain Incomplete emptying: lack of relief and continued urge to have a bowel movement after using the bathroom Unexplained weight loss and fatigue: feeling weak or losing weight without trying What steps can people take to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer? The most effective "prevention" step is for getting screened CRC because it allows doctors to find and remove polyps before they ever become cancerous. Beyond screenings, over 50% of colorectal cancers are linked to modifiable lifestyle choices : Diet: limit red meats (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meats). Focus on fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Weight and activity: maintain a healthy weight and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Limit alcohol and tobacco: avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake significantly lowers risk. Who is most at risk for developing colorectal cancer? CRC can affect anyone but those in the following categories are at higher risk: people age 45 and older; Black Americans ; and people with a personal or family history of certain genetic or colorectal conditions . Black Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer of any racial group in the United States and should receive routine preventative screenings. H ereditary conditions like Lynch Syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), as well as a f amily history of polyps, CRC or inflammatory bowel diseases (like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s) indicate a need to get screened earlier. Data shows colorectal cancer rates are rising among people ages 45–49. What might be driving this trend? Because the recommended screening age was lowered to 45 in 2021, more people in this group are finally getting tested, leading to increased detection and a "catch-up" in diagnosed cases. Additionally, research suggests that changes in the gut microbiome (due to ultra-processed foods, antibiotic use early in life, and sedentary lifestyles) are causing a genuine biological increase in rectal and distal colon cancers in younger generations. What colorectal cancer screening options does Amoskeag Health offer? Are there additional services—either through Amoskeag Health or other resources—that you recommend for prevention or treatment? Right now there are two methods that we generally recommend to patients who are due for screening. The screening method used depends on a person’s risk factors. Stool-Based Tests (Non-Invasive) : These tests look for signs of cancer in your stool. They are more convenient as they can be done at home, but they are required more frequently. FIT (fecal immunochemical test ): looks for blood in the stool that could be an earlier indicator of cancer; repeated annually if negative Cologuard test : looks for blood in the stool and for DNA mutations that could suggest cancer; repeated every three years if negative Colonoscopy: This procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist at a local facility. After doing a colon cleaning preparation at home and fasting, a camera is used to examine the entire colon using a flexible tube while you are sedated, looking for any findings that could suggest risk for colon cancer. If negative, this test is repeated every ten years. There are newer screening methods involving blood samples that require more research. As we learn more about these options, we may expand our screening recommendations to include additional screening methods. What is the most important message you want people to remember about colorectal cancer? The benefits that result from being screened early greatly outweigh the discomfort of the screening tests. While a colonoscopy is not necessarily the most pleasant experience, early detection of CRC leads to a higher probability of successful treatment outcomes . Last year, one of my patients elected to take one of the non-invasive stool-based screenings, which came back positive for signs of cancer. We then referred her for a colonoscopy, which detected stage 1 colon cancer. She received surgery to remove the cancer, and one year later she is doing great and living a cancer free life. Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable, but without early detection through routine screenings, options for treatment become more limited. If you would like to discuss your options for colorectal screening, or to schedule an appointment with an Amoskeag Health provider, please call 603-626-9500.

February 4, 2026 L-R- Ken Darby, General Manager, Revo Casino and Social House in Manchester, Darlene Estevez-Community Outreach and Engagement Manager-Amoskeag Health, and Chris Dugan-Director of Donor Relations-Amoskeag Health. Amoskeag Health is excited to announce that it has received over $95,000 in charitable gaming proceeds following its run at Revo Casino and Social House in Manchester. “This wonderful donation directly supports our mission of providing quality, compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay, “said Kris McCracken, President/CEO of Amoskeag. “It also helps reduce barriers to care by providing transportation, translation services, or care management programs to those in need.” McCracken noted that over the past year, Amoskeag Health has cared for over 15,000 patients from infants to older adults and that more than half of those patients live at or below the federal poverty line. During 2025, Revo contributed over $15,000,000 to more than 350 NH non-profits in support of their work. Revo’s “Rebel With A Cause” program is committed to making a difference by helping local non-profits care for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations that depend on their services. “Thanks to Revo’s kind contribution, our communities are stronger and healthier,” added McCracken.

“She saved my life!” That is how Adriana describes the moment she sat down with Cecilia, our Patient Access Manager. Adriana has been a patient at Amoskeag Health for 25 years. A friend first sent her our way because she did not have health insurance and needed a doctor she could count on. Earlier this year, Adriana experienced a sudden health issue that landed her in the emergency room of a local hospital. She got the care she needed, but when the bills arrived, she was hit with around $13,000 in charges, an amount that would be overwhelming for anyone. She had no idea how she could ever manage it. While discussing the bill with the hospital, a representative realized Adriana is an Amoskeag Health patient and referred her to Cecilia. During their meeting, Cecilia reviewed her household information and explained that she qualified for Amoskeag Health’s sliding fee scale. Upon approval, Adriana received a Medical Discount Card which discounts her rate at Amoskeag Health and is accepted by many local doctors. Most importantly, she found out the program was able to retro-actively cover her emergency room visit, removing the debt that had been causing so much stress. Today, Adriana continues her care with Amoskeag Health. She is grateful to have a place where she can get the care she needs and the support to manage the costs that once felt out of reach. Our sliding fee program currently helps over 3,400 patients stay healthy without being overwhelmed by medical bills. With support like this, those patients can focus on their health instead of medical debt.

Winter in New Hampshire is beautiful, but ice and snow create hazardous conditions that can impact your safety and lead to slips and falls. Falls can cause injuries and may lead to urgent care or emergency room visits. A few simple steps can help you stay safe and healthy this winter.   Places to Be Extra Careful Some environments are especially hazardous in the winter. To prevent injury, you should remain extra alert in these areas: Parking lots and sidewalks, where ice and snow can build up Building entrances, after snow and water get tracked inside Outdoor stairs, especially during and after wet weather conditions   4 Tips to Stay Safe This Winter Wear the right shoes : Shoes with good grip help you stay steady when navigating ice, snow and sleet. Avoid smooth-soled shoes and high heels on icy days, instead opting for boots or shoes with non-slip soles to create traction while in motion. If you have ice cleats, use them. If your footwear gets wet, change into dry shoes once you’re inside to avoid making indoor surfaces even more slippery. Walk slowly and carefully:  Walk like a penguin! Take short, slow steps when walking outside, keeping your hands out of your pockets so you can maintain balance. Try not rush, even if you are in a hurry. Watch out for black ice:  Black ice is a thin layer of "invisible" ice that forms during extremely cold conditions. While very difficult to see, there are a few signs you can look out for on a cold day: the ground will likely look dark, wet, or shiny. Take extra precautions in especially shady areas and near bridges or gutters, common breeding grounds for black ice. Use handrails and take your time:  Stabilize yourself on railings when walking up or down stairs. When getting in or out of a vehicle, move slowly and keep three points of contact, like planting two feet on the ground with one hand on the car, or steadying yourself with two hands on the car as you place your leading foot onto the ground. Acting slowly gives you time to notice dangerous spots and make safe, intentional movements with your feet. Preventing a slip or fall this winter can be simple. Small changes, like taking your time and walking carefully, can help keep you safe and injury-free!

October 13, 2025 Chris Dugan has joined Amoskeag Health as the organization’s Director of Donor Relations.  In this newly created role, Chris will lead development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising plan focused on individual, corporate, and legacy giving. A New Hampshire native, Chris brings extensive non-profit experience to this role, including leadership positions at Optima Health, Elliot Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Monadnock Community Hospital, and the American Lung Association of NH (now Breathe NH). He also served as Regional Director of Corporate Communications at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in NH and Maine for several years. As a non-profit consultant, Chris has supported the Granite YMCA, the NH Senior Games, The Way Home, Safe Sports, Riverwoods, and Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County. Chris is member of the Queen City Rotary Club and chairs the Marketing and Communications Committee.  He also serves on the Board for Meals and is a member of the agency’s development committee.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Chris is long-time resident of Hooksett, NH.

November 17, 2025 Maria (name changed for privacy) had been using fentanyl and taking methadone when she decided she was ready for a change. She wanted to stop using both and start Suboxone, a medication that can help people manage opioid use disorder. But switching to Suboxone isn’t easy. Before starting, Maria needed to stop taking any opioids for at least 48 to 72 hours, which can be extremely uncomfortable and even unsafe for someone in active use. She tried to start the process on her own and had stopped taking methadone, but she wasn’t able to make it to her induction appointments. Eventually, she reconnected with our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) case manager. By then, Maria was in crisis. She was distressed, still using, and at very high risk for overdose. Our case manager quickly stepped in and coordinated with our MAT providers to make sure Maria could be seen that same day. They helped arrange transportation and helped build a plan she felt she could follow. During her appointment, more barriers came up. Her medications had been stolen, and she couldn’t get to her usual pharmacy because she needed to walk everywhere. The case manager switched her prescription to a more accessible location, called the pharmacy to report stolen medications, advocated for a replacement prescription, and worked to make sure she could get everything filled that same day. After the appointment, the case manager checked in again. Maria had made it home safely and picked up her medications. She’s now started microinductions for Suboxone, putting her on a much safer path and dramatically lowering her risk of overdose. The case manager helped Maria move past the barriers by offering steady, nonjudgmental support. This kind of support gives our MAT patients the space they need to show up as they are and work toward better outcomes.

October 13, 2025 Talking to your kids about substance use can be a difficult conversation. It can be even more challenging when you’re in recovery yourself. Amoskeag Health is working as part of the Manchester Youth Wellness and Prevention Collaborative to help parents approach these conversations with confidence. The Collaborative, which includes Makin’ It Happen, the YMCA of Greater Manchester, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester, focuses on supporting families and preventing youth substance use. One part of this work is a parenting program that helps parents in recovery build resiliency, strengthen their relationship with their children, and lay the groundwork for prevention at home. These parents show up every week and work together to talk about parenting styles, skill building, and communication as a group. Many have experienced substance use disorder themselves and are using this space to heal, address difficult topics, and create stronger family bonds. By learning how to communicate openly and support their children’s emotional health, these parents are also reducing risk factors and helping their kids make healthy choices. For the staff leading the program, it is inspiring to see parents show up week after week and put in the work. As one facilitator shared, “Recovery is a robust process, and these parents are shining examples of what it means to do things differently.” Through this program, parents are helping break the cycle of substance use and setting their children, and the Manchester community, on a healthier path.

September 15, 2025 Amoskeag Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Diamond as a physician at our Elm Street office! Christopher brings over 40 years of medical experience, bolstered by a long family history of dedicated healthcare service. Medicine runs in Christopher's family. His father is a neurologist and his mother was a visiting nurse, and he has carried that passion for caring for the whole person throughout his career. Christopher previously cared for students at the University of New Hampshire, helping them get back on track and supporting their success when health issues affected their studies. He is excited to bring that focus of patient-centered care to Amoskeag Health, working closely with patients to guide and collaborate while making sure they remain in control of their health. Valuing our integrated care model, Christopher is looking forward to working with our providers, behavioral health clinicians, and case managers to support patients as a team. He loves the variety family medicine offers, caring for a week-old patient at one appointment and an older adult in the next. and is now seeing patients at the Elm Street office.

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!