United Spinal Association NH Chapter

05/15/2026

United Spinal is hosting an all-virtual Roll on Capitol Hill on June 24th! If you are able to commit to participating in virtual meetings with your Congressional offices on June 24, as well as an education session the day before, you can register via the link below. Confirmed attendees will receive a follow-up email from United Spinal in the coming weeks.

https://form.jotform.com/241066758634160

80 years ago, a group of wheelchair users rolled into Grand Central Station to gather signatures for accessible housing legislation. That group — which would become Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, the predecessor of United Spinal — saw tremendous need and started finding solutions. It’s that same spirit that continues to drive United Spinal 80 years later.

We've created webinars before they were mainstream, trained hundreds of peer mentors, and provided resources to support people through all phases of their recovery journey. United Spinal continues to adapt to meet the needs of our community.

Read more about our origin story and how we've evolved in the past 80 years. https://unitedspinal.org/80-years-of-impact-how-united-spinal-continues-to-evolve/

04/16/2026

United Spinal Association knows that connection matters. That’s why we offer a wide range of virtual events and support groups each month to help people stay informed, supported, and connected.

Two new groups have just been added:
· Women with MS Connect brings women together to share experiences, build community, and support one another through every stage of living with MS. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM ET.

· Newly Injured Spinal Cord Injury Support Group (0–3 Years Post-Injury) offers a safe space to connect, ask questions, and find encouragement during the early stages after injury. Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM ET.

Explore the entire lineup of events here: https://unitedspinal.org/events/

12/01/2025

You’re invited to join the Seacoast Brain Injury Support Group Presentation, for a special session from guest presenter Dr. Elliott Kronenfeld, LICSW, CSTS, 200 RYT.

Topic: “Disenfranchised Grief Experienced by Individuals With Brain Injuries — When No One Seems to Understand Your Loss”

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Krempels Brain Injury Center – Community Campus
100 Campus Drive, Movie Room (2nd Floor)
Portsmouth, NH

Attend in person or via MS Teams. All are welcome!
Register Online: https://p2p.onecause.com/sbisg1225

11/24/2025

Convatec Continence Care (U.S.) is partnering with the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC) to host a live, recorded webinar about fertility, catheterization, and quality of life after spinal cord injury.

📅 Monday, December 1 | 🕒 3:00–4:00 PM (EST)
Topic: Fertility and Catheterizations After Spinal Cord Injury: Navigating Options and Outcomes

Linda Droste (MSN, RN, CWOCN, CBIS, WOCNF), will present and share her expertise on this topic. We’ll also hear from advocate Rick Hayden, who will share his personal experience and join a live Q&A.

Key topics include:
· Insights on urinary and reproductive outcomes.
· Groundbreaking research on the potential role of PVP in fertility.
· Firsthand experiences from an SCI intermittent catheter user about their fertility journey and catheter use.
· PVP-free Cure® and GentleCath™ products.
· Me+ Support Program

Register here to join:

Fertility and catheterization after spinal cord injury webinar presented by Convatec. Monday, December 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST. Register for free today.

11/04/2025

It’s that time of year again! Let’s celebrate 2025 and wrap up the year together!

Join us on Friday, December 5th from 1:00–3:30 PM at:
City Wide Community Center, Harriet Dame Auditorium
14 Canterbury Road, Concord, NH

Enjoy an afternoon of food, music, raffle prizes, a Yankee Swap (with a $20 gift limit), and plenty of friendly faces to reconnect with.

Please let us know using the RSVP form below if you:
· Would like to contribute to our potluck dessert table
· Are donating one raffle item
· Will be bringing a guest (or guests)
RSVP: https://forms.wix.com/f/7389038681488622097

Need help with transportation? GSIL’s Transportation Reimbursement Program may be able to assist. Act soon if you’d like to apply—processing takes time.
📞 Contact GSIL’s Information & Referral Department at 603-228-9680 or info@gsil.org for details.

Let’s get festive and make some merry memories together!
*WHIM is a program of Sunset Hill Educational Institute - SHEI
Granite State Independent Living

10/29/2025

The GSIL / USA - NH Peer Group visited the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center!

10/29/2025

The peer group had a great afternoon at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord on October 22nd. We took in “Tonight’s Sky,” a fascinating and inspiring planetarium show.

Huge thanks to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Community Grant, Granite State Independent Living, and United Spinal Association NH Chapter for helping make this experience possible!

10/14/2025

New date alert! Please note that the Peer Group trip to the Christa McAuliffe Discovery Center in Concord has been changed to Wednesday, October 22nd.

To attend, RSVP to peersupport@gsil.org for each event you're interested in. Please note: Some venues have limited space, so early registration is encouraged!

10/05/2025

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are planning to move forward with a new rule that would place catheters and ostomy supplies in Medicare’s competitive bidding program.

“Simply put, the rule is going to artificially shrink suppliers and make it harder for you to get the best catheter for your individual needs,” says Steve Lieberman, United Spinal Association’s senior director of advocacy.

Tell your member of Congress to sign a letter urging CMS to abandon its proposal to add catheters and ostomy supplies to the competitive bidding program.

Act today: https://unitedspinal.org/advocacy-action/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f130443%2fRespond

09/27/2025

There’s still time to be part of the Peer Group’s 2025 lineup! Each month brings a new opportunity to connect with friends and try something new.

October: Explore the wonders of the Christa McAuliffe Discovery Center
November: Enjoy a creative outing to the Currier Art Museum
December: Celebrate the season at our Annual Christmas Party with WHIM

To attend, RSVP to peersupport@gsil.org for each event you're interested in. Please note: Some venues have limited space, so early registration is encouraged.
Transportation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule a ride, contact GSIL at 603-228-9680 as soon as possible, at least one week before the event.

09/12/2025

September is National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness month. Check out the reflections from wheelchair users living with a SCI below.

Did you know approximately 17,700 Americans acquire a spinal cord injury each year? Wheelchair users reflect on living with a SCI.