NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention

12/19/2025

AMA Opposes Physician-Assisted Su***de

The AMA reaffirmed its opposition to physician-assisted su***de (PAS) during its June 2025 meeting. Key points of their position:

Fundamentally incompatible with healing. The AMA Code of Medical Ethics maintains that PAS is “fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as a healer.”

Serious societal risks. The AMA believes that allowing PAS is “difficult or impossible to control and would pose serious societal risks.”

Calls for aggressive end-of-life care. Instead of assisting in su***de, the AMA emphasizes that physicians should aggressively respond to the needs of dying patients by providing comfort care, effective pain management, emotional support and respect for patient autonomy.

Addresses unmet needs. The organization views a patient’s request for assisted su***de as a signal that their needs are not being met. This should prompt further evaluation and intervention, including hospice care, pastoral support and family counseling.

Clarified terminology. In 2025, the AMA’s Board of Trustees rejected euphemistic terminology like “Medical Aid In Dying” (MAID), stating that such ambiguous terms could be confused with palliative care and would not provide clear ethical guidance.

For more information about su***de prevention efforts in NH, visit

We are a coalition of member groups seeking to enact change towards zero su***de by advocating for the prevention of all su***des all the time.

12/17/2025

Catholic Bishops Speak Out As New York Governor Pledges to Pass Assisted Su***de Bill

In a joint statement, Cardinal Dolan and the bishops of New York state said they were 'extraordinarily troubled' by the announcement.

12/17/2025

Gov. Ayotte Highlights New Hampshire’s Su***de Prevention & Mental Health Efforts

During a September press conference officially proclaiming September as Su***de Prevention Month, NH Gov. Ayotte stated that NH’s effort are "not just about a proclamation" but also about "saving lives, saving families, and fighting the mental health stigma".

Strengthening NH’s Mental Health Resources: Those experiencing a crisis can call or text 988, the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, which connects to the state's New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point (NHRRAP), offering 24/7 crisis counseling and support. You can also visit nh988.com for more information or to chat with a crisis counselor. For general community resources, you can dial 2-1-1.

Focus on youth and seniors: Ayotte noted that su***de remains the second-leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 34 in New Hampshire and that the rate is highest for those over 65.

Help Is Available & NH Residents Are Reaching Out: In 2024, the state's community crisis centers fielded 46,000 contacts via phone, text, and chat. Ayotte encouraged anyone with a “feeling in your gut” to reach out for help.

Piscataqua River Bridge task force: Ayotte acknowledged the formation of a task force to address the increase in su***de attempts on the Piscataqua River Bridge.

New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point

12/14/2025

Su***de Prevention Council Conference: Theme: “Embracing Hope: Transforming Adversity Into Resilience”

The Su***de Prevention Council’s annual conference was held on Thursday, Nov. 13th from 8 a.m. – noon at the Puritan Conference Center in Manchester.

Each year, the conference brings individuals, businesses, education, public health, mental health, and caregivers together to share, learn and expand the development of su***de prevention efforts and to provide support for survivors of su***de loss and attempt survivors. This year’s national keynote speaker was Joyce Chu, Ph.D.

For more information about NH Su***de Prevention Council, visit https://preventsu***denh.org/.

The New Hampshire Su***de Prevention Council is dedicated to promoting awareness that su***de is a preventable public health problem.

12/12/2025

Hospice Society Launches “Guardian Angels” Program In Canada

A hospice society in Canada has launched a program called "Guardian Angels" aimed at protecting Canadians from possibly being euthanized against their will.

Founded in 1991 in British Columbia, the Delta Hospice Society (DHS) is trying to support ill and vulnerable Canadians within the health care system by providing them with trained volunteer advocates who prioritize the sanctity of life over euthanasia and offer compassionate support.

These "angels" ensure patients receive proper health care and palliative care while safeguarding them from pressures related to the country's euthanasia program, known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).

"We are seeking patients in hospitals, hospices, long-term care, palliative care or those with chronic or terminal illnesses who would like an 'angel,'" said DHS President Angelina Ireland. Ireland explained that the past three years have been tough for the Society. Despite the setbacks, the DHS has relied on patience and faith to continue offering programs like "Guardian Angels," consistent with their commitment to providing palliative care and protecting life. Patients or their families can contact DHS to request an "angel”. For more information, contact:

Become a Guardian Angel For more information about becoming a volunteer, please complete the form, and one of our team members will contact you. Request a Guardian Angel If you are looking for support for yourself or your loved one, please fill out the Guardian Angel request form, and we will contac...

12/09/2025

Committee To Study Palliative And Hospice Care In NH Submits Recommendations On Oct. 31st

While palliative care and hospice care are available in NH, substantial obstacles exist which prevent people from accessing care as widely as they should. These include staffing and bed availability; lack of awareness on the part of the public and even some providers; and the challenges faced by families and individuals regarding affordability and costs not covered by insurance.

SB 248, a bill that established a study committee on palliative and hospice care, represents a critical first step in identifying and removing barriers to these essential services.

The legislative study committee included Sen. Kevin Avard; Sen. Suzanne Prentiss; Rep. Gary Woods; Rep. Mark Pearson and Rep. Samuel Farrington. They were charged with evaluating:

Access to palliative and hospice care across the state

Barriers preventing patients and families from receiving necessary support

Special considerations for people with disabilities, dementia, long-term care recipients, and veterans

Opportunities for improving care coordination and availability

Fall happenings from around the Granite State

12/09/2025

The cost to install su***de prevention barriers on the Piscataqua River Bridge on Interstate 95 is estimated to land between $3 million and $5 million, though months of engineering analysis remain.

https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2025/12/09/nh-maine-i95-piscataqua-riverbridge-su***de-barrier-cost/87668801007/ #

NH transportation chief says funding is a concern for a potential $5 million su***de prevention barrier.

12/04/2025

A new study finds that victims of intimate partner violence who also experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors show distinct and severe injury patterns on medical imaging.

12/04/2025

Inspiring Hope: Sunrise and Su***de Prevention

For Frances Vigay, who has lost many friends and family to su***de, watching the sunrise every day has been an anchor point in her life. For 365 days in 2023, she watched and photographed the sunrise, in order to raise awareness of the charity, Grassroots Su***de Prevention About Grassroots Su***de Prevention - Grassroots Su***de Prevention (prevent-su***de.org.uk). Grassroots Su***de Prevention, founded in the UK, strives to provide education and support for people struggling with mental health issues.

https://zerosu***desnh.org/blog/inspiring-hope-sunrise-and-su***de-prevention?rq=holidays

For Frances Vigay, who has lost many friends and family to su***de, watching the sunrise every day has been an anchor point in her life.

12/03/2025

Physician-assisted su***de (PAS) is often portrayed as a humane, peaceful way for people with terminal illnesses to end their lives with dignity. Advocacy campaigns describe it as safe, controlled, and reserved for the most extreme cases of suffering. But as Billy Barvick’s recent paper shows, the reality is far more complicated—and far more troubling.

Physician-assisted su***de (PAS) is often portrayed as a humane but as Billy Barvick shows, the reality is far more complicated—and far more troubling.

12/03/2025

The holiday season brings with it many traditions, and for countless families, watching Frank Capra’s 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life is one of them. More than just a feel-good film, it offers a profound exploration of despair, resilience, and the ripple effect of one life on a community.

James Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey—a man overwhelmed by challenges and considering su***de—resonates deeply with viewers. At his lowest point, George meets Clarence, a guardian angel who shows him an alternate reality where he never existed. What unfolds is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting story that reveals the immeasurable value of one person’s life.

The movie underscores the importance of perseverance and hope

12/01/2025

NH COALITION FOR SU***DE PREVENTION FALL NEWSLETTER

https://zerosu***desnh.org/blog/nh-coalition-for-su***de-prevention-fall-newsletter