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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.

December 2, 2024 In December 2023, one of Amoskeag Health’s Community Health Workers (CHW) began assisting a family with two young girls, Andrea and Sofía, who needed resources and support to overcome their challenges. Through steady guidance, the CHW has helped improve the family’s situation step by step. Their mother, Carmen, faced several barriers, including navigating the school system in a new country. The CHW stepped in to assist with school registration, free lunch applications, and translating important school documents. Understanding the family’s broader need for food support, the CHW delivered groceries during home visits and provided information about local food pantries. Knowing that lasting change often starts with empowerment, the CHW also connected Carmen with English classes, helping her gain confidence and independence. In 2024, the family shared that Andrea and Sofía did not have beds of their own. The CHW reached out to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that provides beds for children in need, and helped the family complete the application process. Once approved, volunteers from the organization delivered and assembled a brand-new bunk bed, complete with twin-sized sheet sets, comforters, and pillows. The girls’ faces lit up as they saw their new beds set up in their room, excited to finally sleep comfortably in their own space. Beyond these improvements, the CHW also helped the family enroll with Amoskeag Health and connected them with Behavioral Health Consultants, making sure they have access to physical and mental health care. This family’s story highlights the impact Amoskeag Health’s Community Health Workers can have, not just in addressing immediate needs but also in creating a foundation for long-term well-being. By providing care and support, this CHW has given the family tools to build a brighter future and a place to truly call home. Amoskeag Health’s Community Health Workers do more than connect families to care, they provide the support and resources that help build brighter futures. From securing food and housing assistance to ensuring access to healthcare, their work makes a difference

October 1, 2024 Scott Schilling speaking at the 2024 Morning Matters. Having Mental Health Clinicians from Amoskeag Health in the Manchester School District makes a big difference for students and the community. They provide essential support that helps children both inside class and beyond. Clinicians like Scott Schilling work within the schools, building strong relationships not only with the students but also with teachers, gym instructors, lunch staff, and administrators. These connections are key to supporting the children effectively. For instance, when Scott first met a young girl who was anxious and nervous about their meeting, he learned that she liked hula hooping and jump roping. After their initial session in his office, Scott took her to the gym to do these activities together. This simple act helped her relax and opened a channel for trust and communication. From that point on, she looked forward to their meetings, showing how powerful it can be to connect through shared activities and interests. Another example involves a first grader dealing with some serious issues at home. She often came to school disheveled but full of energy, making it hard for her to focus. By engaging her with activities she enjoyed, like playing with Legos sets she brought in, Scott built a relationship that made her feel seen and valued. This not only helped her manage better at school but also taught her kindness and the joy of sharing, leading her to leave some Legos for other kids to enjoy while visiting Scott’s office. Another case involved a girl who faced severe anxiety every morning, to the point where she refused to go to school. Scott, along with her parents, a social worker, the guidance counselor, and her teacher, came up with a plan for her to start each day by meeting with someone she trusted. This significantly reduced her anxiety, allowing her to have a much better end to the school year. These stories show how important early intervention and relationship-building in the schools are for setting students up for future success. Scott and his colleagues help students develop coping skills and people skills that they carry with them as they grow. By addressing issues early, they can prevent more significant problems from arising later in life, planting the seeds for long-term well-being. Amoskeag Health being present in the schools also removes barriers that might prevent students from getting the care they need. Many families face challenges like lack of transportation or conflicting work schedules that make it hard to attend clinical appointments. By bringing services directly to the schools, clinicians like Scott ensure that students receive consistent support without adding stress to their families. Having Mental Health Clinicians in the Manchester School District not only supports individual students but also strengthens the entire school community. By building strong relationships and integrating into the school environment, they create a supportive network that helps children overcome challenges and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. These moments show the deep impact that Amoskeag Health’s behavioral health clinicians make in our schools, helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Your support helps make these critical services possible. Consider making a donation today  to keep this support growing for our community’s children.

By: The Healthcare Team at Amoskeag Health January 21, 2025 Every January, many of us set out with high hopes and New Year’s resolutions. We picture a healthier, more balanced version of ourselves and feel excited about the changes we’re going to make. But as the weeks go by, that initial burst of excitement can start to fade. By February, it’s easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. The key to long-term success is to focus on small, manageable changes that build healthy habits over time. Here are some steps to help you stay on track and maintain your motivation throughout the year.   Embrace Healthy Eating Habits Healthy eating is about making better choices consistently. It doesn’t mean you need to change your entire diet overnight. Start by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals. These foods are rich in nutrients and fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied. Meal preparation can be a helpful tool for making healthier eating easier. Plan your meals for the week, and prep ingredients in advance. This not only saves time but also reduces the temptation to reach for less healthy options when you’re busy. Simple changes, like cooking more meals at home and choosing water over sugary drinks, can make a difference for your overall health.   Move More Each Day Physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. Regular exercise improves your mood, boosts energy levels, and helps prevent a range of chronic diseases. It can also help maintain a healthy weight and improve your sleep quality. You don’t need to start with an intense workout routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. This can include activities like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing. Breaking it into 30-minute sessions five days a week makes it more manageable. Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during lunch breaks, can add up over time.   Quit Smoking and Vaping Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Both smoking and vaping are linked to serious health problems, including lung disease, heart disease, and various types of cancer. Even though vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, it still exposes you to harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs. If you’re ready to quit, know that there are resources available to help you succeed. You can start by setting a quit date and informing your friends and family so they can support you. Consider using tools like nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, or support groups to increase your chances of success.   Prioritize Better Sleep Getting enough sleep is important for both your body and mind. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, but many people fall short. Poor sleep can affect your mood, memory, and immune system, and it increases the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. To improve your sleep, start by making a regular sleep schedule. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Avoid screens and caffeine in the evening. Instead, try reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques to help your body wind down.   Practice Mindfulness for Stress Management Mindfulness is a simple but powerful practice that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. This can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and build your overall sense of well-being. Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even mindful walking. Adding mindfulness to your daily routine doesn’t require a lot of time. Start with just a few minutes each day. You might take a moment in the morning to set your goals for the day or pause in the evening to reflect on what you are grateful for. These small moments of mindfulness can help you stay grounded and better manage everyday stress.   Small Steps Lead to Big Changes Remember, building a healthier lifestyle is a journey. You don’t need to make all these changes at once. Focus on one goal at a time and celebrate your progress along the way. Small but consistent efforts can lead to big improvements in your health and well-being over time. Take it step by step and create habits that support a healthier and happier you!

December 9, 2024 Open enrollment for health insurance is here! From November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025 , you can sign up for a new plan or make changes to your existing coverage through the HealthCare.gov website. This is the best time to make sure you and your family have the health insurance coverage you need. What is Open Enrollment? Open enrollment is the annual period when most people can enroll in health insurance for the upcoming year. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the next year unless you qualify for a special enrollment period due to a major life event like having a baby, losing health coverage, or getting married. If You are New to Open Enrollment Explore your options by visiting HealthCare.gov to compare plans and see if you qualify for financial help. Remember these deadlines: Enroll by December 15, 2024 , for coverage starting January 1, 2025. If you enroll between December 16, 2024, and January 15, 2025 , your coverage will begin February 1, 2025. Have your information ready. You’ll need details about your income, household size, and any current insurance to complete your application. If you Already Have Insurance Through the Healthcare Marketplace If you’re already enrolled in a 2024 plan, you may be automatically re-enrolled for 2025. But it’s still a good idea to make sure you have the best coverage: Log in and check your current plan details to see if it will carry over or if changes are needed. Make sure your household and income details are up to date, so your financial assistance is accurate. Even if you like your current plan, compare other options. New plans or better pricing might be available. If you want changes to start January 1, you need to complete your updates by December 15. Remember, automatic re-enrollment may not account for changes in your income or household size. Reviewing your plan will ensure you’ll get the best coverage and savings for 2025. For more details, visit the CMS Open Enrollment Fact Sheet . Need Help? Amoskeag Health is Here for You We understand that choosing a health insurance plan can feel overwhelming. That’s why our case managers are here to help you with the process. We can help you compare plans, check if you qualify for financial assistance, and get you signed up with a plan that fits your needs. Give us a call at 603-626-9500 to connect with a case manager today! Additional Resources HealthCare.gov : Enroll, compare plans, and check for savings. NH Health Cost Guide : New Hampshire-specific help with navigating the process. CMS Open Enrollment Fact Sheet : Detailed information on this year’s open enrollment.

September 17, 2024 Amoskeag Health is excited to share that our Complex Care Network (CCN) program has been highlighted for its dedication to supporting children with complex medical needs. This program connects families with critical healthcare and community resources that help them manage the challenges associated with chronic conditions. The CCN program serves children under 21 in New Hampshire who have significant medical needs, often requiring the use of medical devices and support for developmental concerns. These children face barriers in areas such as mobility, communication, and self-care, which can make navigating healthcare systems overwhelming for families. The CCN team works to coordinate care between healthcare providers, schools, and other community services. This approach ensures that families have access to the support they need while also empowering them to make informed decisions about their child’s care. By fostering collaboration between care providers, the program helps create a unified support system that eases the journey for families dealing with complex medical challenges. The goal of the CCN is to simplify access to medical and developmental resources while improving communication among providers, educators, and families. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the child’s health needs but also supports their overall well-being and quality of life. If you’d like to learn more about the impact the CCN program is having, you can read about it in the Fall 2024 issue of Pass It On , available through New Hampshire Family Voices.

Kris McCracken’s letter calls for urgent support to keep essential healthcare services for 1 in 14 Granite Staters. August 2, 2024 Kris McCracken, CEO of Amoskeag Health, recently wrote a letter to the editor that has been picked up by local outlets like NH Business Review and New Hampshire Bulletin. In her letter, McCracken highlights the essential role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like ours in New Hampshire. FQHCs, including Amoskeag Health, provide primary care to 1 in 14 Granite Staters, many of whom live in underserved communities. These centers ensure everyone can access comprehensive healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. McCracken emphasizes that FQHCs save the state's healthcare system millions of dollars each year by reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays. By offering preventive care and managing chronic conditions, we help keep people healthier and reduce the strain on hospitals. This not only benefits individual patients but also the broader community by preventing more serious health issues and controlling healthcare costs. However, she also warns that FQHCs are facing serious financial problems, putting their future at risk. Without immediate support, centers like Amoskeag Health might not be able to continue providing these vital services. The letter outlines how decreased funding, low reimbursement rates, and rising operational costs have created an unsustainable situation for FQHCs. The financial pressures are compounded by the need to compete for healthcare staff and the loss of Medicaid coverage for many patients, which has increased uncompensated care costs. McCracken is calling for strategic emergency stabilization funding from state policymakers to preserve access to essential healthcare services. The impact of FQHCs extends beyond individual patient care to significant economic contributions, including job creation and generating economic activity within the state. To read the full letter and learn more about why supporting FQHCs is so important, click here.

Ron first came to Amoskeag Health’s MAT program with a clear mission: he needed heart surgery, and to qualify, he had to stop drinking and using cocaine. Determined to get the surgery, Ron managed to hold onto his sobriety just long enough to make it through the operation. However, once he recovered, he found himself in a tough spot. He couldn't return to his previous job and was struggling with his housing situation. What started as a short-term goal of sobriety for medical reasons turned into a long-term journey. Throughout the summer of 2023, Ron continued to attend his Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provider appointments, but his struggle with sobriety persisted. He intermittently used cocaine and alcohol, feeling ambivalent about the whole process. He now admits he often lied about his substance use and his true intentions during those months. By the end of the summer, Ron found himself homeless and without work. Despite having applied for Social Security Disability Insurance with the help of Case Management back in March 2023, the application hadn't come through yet, leaving him in a precarious position. Ron’s turning point came during a routine meeting with his MAT CRSW. They discussed his motivation for sobriety and his overall quality of life. The CRSW challenged Ron to reflect on his motivations for sobriety and his overall quality of life. They asked him to consider who he truly wanted to be. Did he want to become the gruff, angry old man he was on track to become? Deep down, both Ron and the CRSW knew that wasn't who he was meant to be. That conversation sparked something in Ron. He took a long, hard look in the mirror and decided to make a change. Ron has made a tremendous effort to address his feelings of anger, stress, and frustration. He built a support network and embraced the benefits of meetings, support groups, hobbies, and self-care. The man who had walked into Amoskeag Health a year earlier, ambivalent and unmotivated, is now eight months sober. He's receiving disability benefits, living independently in a rent-controlled apartment in downtown Manchester, and continuing his journey of growth and healing. We are incredibly proud of Ron and can't wait to see what the future holds for him! Ron's story shows how support and care can change lives. Your donations to Amoskeag Health can help more people like Ron find their way to recovery and stability. With your help, we can provide the resources and support they need. Donate today and be a part of changing lives.

Our Family Eye Care Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive vision care for patients of all ages. We ensure that everyone in our community has access to quality eye care. With annual exams for all ages, including infants, we're dedicated to safeguarding vision health and preventing long-term issues. The following is a first-hand account from our Optometrist, Jillian Peabody "I recently saw a pediatric patient for the very first time. Her doctors couldn’t figure out why she’d been struggling with her vision for years. Her mom was especially worried because she had started to fall quite often, and it seemed like she’d lost her peripheral vision. After I examined her, I was able to provide a diagnosis: Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic condition with a group of eye problems that affect the retina and cause varying degrees of vision loss. Unfortunately, this is a visually devastating diagnosis. However, she can benefit from low-vision resources that will help her exponentially in school and daily life. I talked to her parents and referred her to Boston Children's Hospital where they’ll likely register her as “vision impaired,” which means that she’ll have more legal and medical options than before. In a few months, she’ll come back to Amoskeag Health, and then I can help connect her family to specific programs in New Hampshire, like Future in Sight. There, they’ll help her better navigate at home and school; provide white cane training; and provide additional resources such as a portable or desktop closed-circuit television (CCTV), which is a video magnifier to enlarge print and images. Although I know the diagnosis was difficult, I also know she wouldn’t have any of these opportunities without an answer. I’m glad I could provide her family with a diagnosis, as well as the connection to resources that will improve her quality of life, enhance her academic performance, and brighten her future." ~Jillian Peabody, Amoskeag Health Optometrist Your support empowers us to uphold this vital mission of ensuring clear sight and bright futures for everyone we serve. We want to continue sharing these impactful stories, and your donation ensures that everyone who seeks help receives it.

The Power of Case Management from an Amoskeag Health Case Manager "One of my patients is a single mom with two daughters who is currently living in a hotel. Her daughters are patients at Amoskeag Health and were on Dr. Lisa DiBrigida’s panel (who has sadly since retired!). During their Health and Family Risk Assessments, Dr. DiBrigida noticed signs that there were economic and mental health challenges at home. She immediately gave me a call to come talk to the family. When I first met the girls’ mother, she expressed that she’s always struggled with her mental health. This snowballed into several huge challenges such as maintaining a steady income, grappling with food insecurity, and trying to take care of her daughters despite a lack of transportation and basic household supplies. I listened to her, I validated her, and I gave her a safe place to shed tears and express her fears. Then, I connected her with the right mental health supports. She was SO grateful. Immediately after that, I put her in contact with the homeless liaison for the school district who began arranging transportation to school and new clothing for her daughters. Once her daughters were properly cared for, her entire body seemed to sigh with relief. She was so overwhelmed and felt like she was failing her daughters before; she needed an advocate. So, that’s who I became! I immediately guided her through re-establishing her benefits through DHHS (cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid). Then, we set up appointments to work on reapplying for SSI benefits. As we scheduled these future appointments, we talked about where she wants to go next. I’m so proud of her; now that her daughters are cared for, she’s making her own goals. Next, she plans to establish a reliable job and then find housing with her section 8 voucher. Our work together is still progressing, and it’s wonderful to reflect on the progress we’ve made so far." ~An Amoskeag Health Case Manager Your generosity ensures that families facing economic and mental health challenges receive the holistic support they need to thrive. Join us in making a lasting impact on lives like hers.