NH Delegation Highlights Key 2023 Mental Health Funding for NH Through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

(Washington, DC) – The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation is highlighting key mental health funding for the state for 2023 through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the gun safety bill that the delegation helped pass into law last year. The state is receiving more than $1.3 million dollars for mental health programs, including to support teens in rural communities and reduce youth suicide.

“Addressing the full scope of challenges in our society that impact mental health requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. That’s why we must invest in adequate resources for Granite Staters to get the treatment they need to get well, and ensure we have the long-term health care infrastructure necessary to support them,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m thrilled to see these new investments from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which will be instrumental in supporting New Hampshire’s youth mental health programs, health care workers and other vital mental health care infrastructure. Our state’s mental health care programs and professionals do incredible work on a daily basis and I’m glad to see they are getting a much-needed funding boost.”

“Granite Staters – especially young people – are bravely speaking up about their mental health challenges and the need to break down stigmas so that people can get the help that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “I was glad to work across the aisle to pass into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provides essential support for those struggling with their mental health, and I look forward to seeing how community organizations and our state will use the new federal funding. We must continue working together to prioritize mental health and ensure that people know that they are not alone, and that there is help available.”

“Access to affordable and trusted mental health resources can be lifesaving — that’s why it is critical we ensure everyone across New Hampshire has the support they need,” said Kuster, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. “This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, will make a real difference for mental health services in our state, particularly for our rural communities and residents. I was proud to help secure these federal dollars for New Hampshire and will continue working across the aisle alongside the federal delegation to expand mental health training and resources.”

“We are facing a mental health crisis and must make sustained progress to ensure Granite Staters get the support and access to services they need. This funding will provide education and training for first responders and front line workers, and grants will also invest in critical areas targeting youth and underserved communities,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act last year to enable these investments, and I will continue to support efforts that address the Granite State’s mental health needs.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that the NH Congressional Delegation helped pass into law is supporting key 2023 federal grants to the state to support mental health, including:

• More than $248,000 to Dartmouth Health to support mental health and trauma needs of 12-to-18 year olds and their families in rural communities
• Nearly $250,000 to the University of New Hampshire for the Mental Health First Aid for New Hampshire program, which will help ensure that caregivers, first responders, and other social service providers are trained to provide mental health support and referrals for at-risk adults, including Latino and rural elderly populations
• $250,000 to the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester for its mental health awareness and de-escalation trainings to college/university staff, law enforcement officers, and other social service providers
• $250,000 to Makin’ It Happen Coalition for Resilient Youth to help schools and youth-serving organizations identify warning signs and support young people experiencing mental health challenges, in order to reduce suicide or mental health crises
• More than $102,000 to Strafford County to support mental health training for law enforcement officers working in schools
• More than $261,000 to NH Health and Human Services to strengthen and enhance mental health and emergency preparedness and crisis response efforts