NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention

11/05/2025

Every day in America, roughly 17 veterans die by su***de. Behind each number is a name, a family, a story of service and sacrifice. As we honor the courage of those who served, we must also confront a truth that remains difficult — too many of our nation’s heroes continue to struggle long after coming home.

As we honor the courage of those who served, we must also confront a truth that remains difficult — too many of our nation’s heroes continue to struggle long after coming home.

11/05/2025

Registration is now open for the NH Su***de Prevention Council's conference on November 13. You can register at https://lnkd.in/ecYReqiZ, and learn more about the Council at https://lnkd.in/ePHRuPEY

11/04/2025

Canada has reached a new and significant milestone in its approach to end-of-life care. According to recent reporting by the BBC, assisted dying—also known as physician assisted su***de (PAS)—now accounts for 5.1% of all deaths in the country. That’s roughly one in every 20 Canadians who end their lives through a legal, medically assisted process.

Since its legalization in 2016, PAS in Canada has expanded gradually, originally reserved for those with terminal illnesses and unbearable physical suffering. But even with safeguards in place, the rapid rise in numbers—over 44,000 assisted deaths since 2016—has prompted international attention and domestic debate. In 2023 alone, more than 13,200 people opted for PAS, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.

While supporters argue the system gives people autonomy and dignity at the end of life, critics express deep concern about whether enough is being done to protect vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions. The Canadian government has postponed extending PAS access to people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness until 2027, reflecting these ethical tensions.

A Growing Reality Sparking Global Conversation

11/03/2025

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention has announced the upcoming launch of our newly developed education program, Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans. This is a free, 60-minute presentation for audiences to learn about the impact of su***de among veterans, along with practical ways to recognize warning signs of su***de, navigate tough conversations, and connect veterans to support in ways that respect their autonomy.

After attending Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans, participants will:
Learn the impact of su***de on the veteran population
Identify contributors to veteran su***de, as well as protective factors
Learn how to recognize su***de warning signs in veterans
Gain confidence in starting a conversation with someone who may be in distress
Understand ways to seek and offer support and resources for veterans



The AFSP National Premiere presentations of Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans will take place virtually:
11a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 12, 2025
7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Register at the link below to receive a Zoom link for either of the above presentations.

10/30/2025

A new independent film, Shattered Ice, is sparking meaningful conversations about mental health, grief, and recovery — all through the lens of high school hockey.

Written and produced by Jake Miskin, a native of Needham, Massachusetts, Shattered Ice draws inspiration from Miskin’s own high school experience and his effort to navigate life after the death of his best friend by su***de. Twelve years in the making, the film aims to reach teens and young adults struggling with loss, isolation, and mental health challenges.

Shattered Ice confronts one of the hardest truths of adolescence — the silent crisis of youth su***de — and transforms it into a story of resilience, compassion, and connection. Writer-producer Jake Miskin uses his own experience with loss to remind audiences that su***de is not the end of the story — hope, help, and human connection can rewrite it. And, by bringing the realities of grief to the screen, Shattered Ice helps break the stigma around mental health and shows that no one has to skate through darkness alone.

Through the eyes of a young hockey player, the film explores what happens after loss, showing that healing begins when a community dares to talk about pain openly.

10/27/2025

10/23/2025

Every time an infectious disease makes the news, public trust in health systems is tested. But sometimes the threat isn’t the disease itself — it’s how we talk about it. That’s why publicizing “two positive tuberculosis tests” in a state of 1.4 million people is not just misleading; it’s irresponsible from a public health perspective.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a well-understood, treatable, and closely monitored infection. In New Hampshire — as in every state — public health professionals conduct routine screening among certain populations, such as health-care workers, correctional staff, and people immigrating from regions where TB is more common. A small number of positive tests every year is normal, expected, and reflects the vigilance of the system — not a sign of an outbreak.

Announcing two positive tests without explaining that context distorts risk perception. It invites unnecessary fear and stigmatization of individuals and communities who may already face barriers to care. In a population of 1.4 million, two positive tests represent a rate of roughly one case per 700,000 people — statistically insignificant and far below national averages. Yet when stripped of that denominator, “two cases” can sound ominous.

Every time an infectious disease makes the news, public trust in health systems is tested. But sometimes the threat isn’t the disease itself — it’s how we talk about it. That’s why publicizing “two positive tuberculosis tests” in a state of 1.4 million people is not just misleading; it.....

10/22/2025

Shattered Ice confronts one of the hardest truths of adolescence — the silent crisis of youth su***de — and transforms it into a story of resilience, compassion, and connection.

https://iris-denim-tzg2.squarespace.com/config/pages/60be4818d58e3802a5e66dec

10/22/2025

10/21/2025

Buckle Up New Hampshire! Our already sky-high health insurance premiums are about to soar, again. Forecasts for 2026 show double-digit increases for most plans, with some Marketplace plans rising more than forty percent. For employers and families alike, this means higher monthly bills, bigger deductibles, more unpaid medical expenses, and tougher choices across the board.

The timing could not be worse. At the end of 2025, the enhanced federal premium tax credits that have kept insurance costs down for many Granite Staters are set to expire. These credits capped what working families pay and helped more than 70,000 residents afford Marketplace coverage last year. Even without the tax credit, Marketplace plans across the country are seeing rates jump by about 20% on average, and the median rate will be about 11% higher than last year. New Hampshire has worked to control costs on Marketplace plans with the high risk pool, but this kind of sudden increase will set off a chain reaction of higher premiums and lower coverage rates across the state.

New Hampshire faces steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes driven by lost tax credits, rising drug costs, and hospital consolidation, threatening access to care.

10/17/2025

Stick It To Stigma On Sat. Oct. 18th At The Whittemore Center
The Wildcat women's hockey team takes on Harvard in the Whittemore Center at Key Auto Group Complex this Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2pm in the annual Stick it to Stigma game to promote mental health awareness and su***de prevention alongside local nonprofit organizations Connor's Climb Foundation and The Benny Fund, which are underwriting the first 200 tickets.
Take advantage of this offer while supplies last, and help support the program by placing bids on the specially-designed jersey that will be auctioned during the game.

Following the game, high bidders will receive the winning jerseys from the players, and all fans are invited to bring their own skates to Skate with the 'Cats! Plus, the first 150 fans will receive a free UNH Women's Hockey Magnet Schedule.

https://usnh.evenue.net/promotions/event/NWH26/WH04/STICKIT

10/17/2025

Each October, New Hampshire joins the nation in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a campaign led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). NDEAM celebrates the vital contributions of America’s workers with disabilities while also spotlighting the importance of building inclusive workplaces.

This year’s observance is an opportunity for employers, policymakers, and communities across the Granite State to reaffirm their commitment to equal opportunity, inclusive hiring, and accessible workplaces. People with disabilities are innovators, leaders, and dedicated professionals across every sector of our economy. By fostering environments where everyone can thrive, we strengthen not only our workplaces but also our communities.

https://zerosu***desnh.org/blog/october-is-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-in-new-hampshire