Southern New Hampshire Health

01/23/2026

Congratulations to Susan Santana, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services, on being named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s CNOs to Know list.

This national recognition honors chief nursing officers (CNOs) who are shaping the future of patient care through innovative leadership, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to supporting nurses at every stage of their careers.

At Southern New Hampshire Health, Dr. Santana leads nursing and patient care services with a focus on shared governance, evidence-based practice, and meaningful professional development. Her leadership helped guide the organization to our fifth consecutive Magnet designation, an achievement reached by only a small percentage of hospitals nationwide.

We are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor and grateful for Susan’s continued leadership and impact.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/LrGf50Y0Wil

01/22/2026

🤒This flu season has arrived earlier and is spreading more widely than normal, and children are being hit hard.

According to Dr. Sharon Vuppula, pediatric hospitalist at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a new influenza strain is increasing the risk of serious illness in kids.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms and when it is time to call your pediatrician or seek urgent care.

👉 Click to read what every parent should know. https://ow.ly/7bnK50Y0kjT

01/21/2026

We did it again. And made history in New Hampshire.

⭐Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is the only hospital in the state to earn a fifth Magnet® designation, the highest national recognition for nursing excellence.

Only 10 percent of hospitals in the U.S. achieve Magnet status, and just 2 percent have earned it five times. Since first being designated in 2006, our nurses and care teams have continued to meet the highest standards of patient care, collaboration, and professional practice in 2011, 2016, 2021, and now 2026.

Magnet designation means exceptional patient outcomes, compassionate and coordinated care, and an environment where nurses are empowered to lead, grow, and make a difference every day.

We are incredibly proud of our nurses and the entire Southern New Hampshire Health team who make this achievement possible.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/SBXs50Y0IuE

01/20/2026

Samantha M. Houben, APRN-NP, brings compassion, expertise, and a deeply patient-centered philosophy to her role at Foundation Vascular Surgery. She specializes in wound care, a field she notes is “not just about treating wounds.” Instead, Samantha explains that her work focuses on prevention, improved outcomes, and strengthening the health of the community by “promoting independence, education, and improved quality of life.”

Her approach to patient care is intentionally thoughtful and proactive. Grounded in evidence-based practice, Samantha centers each care plan around the individual, ensuring patients feel respected and supported throughout their healing journey.

Samantha was drawn to Southern New Hampshire Health because of its strong commitment to excellence. “I wanted to work for an organization that prioritizes high-quality, patient-centered care,” she shares. She adds that the organization reflects the same values seen in fellow Magnet hospitals, including nursing excellence, evidence-based practice, and high-quality patient outcomes. At Southern New Hampshire Health, Samantha says she feels “supported, valued, and challenged to continue growing” in a collaborative environment that truly values both patients and staff.

Outside of work, Samantha stays busy with her two young children and her Australian shepherd, who “definitely keeps us on our toes.” She and her husband enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and being outside whenever possible.

Learn more about Foundation Vascular Surgery at https://ow.ly/qW8f50Y0eGh

01/19/2026

Thanks to generous sponsorship from the New Hampshire To***co Cessation Program, this supportive program is now FREE to attend!

In partnership with Southern NH Health, participants will learn to identify triggers, build coping strategies, explore ni****ne replacement options, and gain tips on exercise and weight management.

New session starts on Feb 9th, make sure to sign up today!

Registration Required Here:
https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5286/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP9323&offering_id=SES429111&location_id=B244

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01/19/2026

Southern New Hampshire Health is offering its third annual summer volunteer program, developed to attract future generations of professionals by introducing young adults to the diverse career pathways in a health system.

⭐Who can participate?
This national award-winning program is for rising high school seniors who have a curiosity in careers within a health system.

⏰When and where does the program take place?
It is a six-week program held on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., starting on July 13th at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua.

✏️What will I learn?
Participants will meet with various leaders throughout Southern New Hampshire Health to explore career pathways, including clinical roles such as nursing and laboratory positions, to non-
clinical positions such as finance, food and environmental safety, information technology, and more. Upon successful completion of the program, resources and networking opportunities will be provided to graduates to make a seamless transition in pursuing a career pathway within the health system.

💚Apply now at https://ow.ly/1uEi50XZRFY

❓Questions? Please contact Viktoriya Dribinskaya, Director of Workforce Development @ viktoriya.dribinskaya@snhhs.org.

01/18/2026

For many, the first step toward taking on obesity is daunting, especially when you have tried before and not succeeded. As Megan Desantis of Southern NH Weight Management explains, the first steps of any challenge are the hardest. "Once you make it over that threshold, each step is a little easier," she explains.

The right help at the right time makes the journey smoother and more rewarding.

The Southern NH Weight Management team is here for you every step of the way, from that first step across the threshold to the unbelievable feeling of achieving your goals.

Take your first step! Call 603-577-3275 for a consultation or learn more at https://ow.ly/4MzG50XW706

01/16/2026

⭐A Huge Thank You to CGI Business Solutions!

We’re thrilled to celebrate CGI Business Solutions as the Gold Sponsor of our 3rd Annual Golf Classic on Monday, May 18th, at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, NH! Their incredible support fuels our nonprofit, community‑based health system and helps us continue delivering the expert, compassionate care our region counts on every day.

Join them and make a meaningful impact!
Become a sponsor today: https://ow.ly/E26m50XY4wN

01/15/2026

New year, healthier you. January is a great time to schedule routine checkups for yourself and your family. Our Southern New Hampshire Health providers share the screenings they recommend for women, men, and kids to help prevent disease and support lifelong wellness. Read the full checklist and start your year off right.

https://ow.ly/cmUk50XWZYQ

01/14/2026

We are honored to be ranked the top hospital in New Hampshire for social responsibility by the Lown Institute Hospitals Index.

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center earned “A” grades across every category, recognizing our commitment to equitable, high-quality, patient-centered care and strong community partnerships.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our caregivers and the trust of the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our mission to improve health for all.

Learn more about the Lown Institute Hospitals Index and what this ranking means for our community. https://ow.ly/F1sH50XWJp4

01/14/2026

WMUR-TV interviewed Dr. Joseph Leahy, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center about the uptick of flu cases in our region.

Health officials say flu activity remains high across New Hampshire, and hospitals are feeling the strain.

01/13/2026

Kara M. brings compassion, skill, and heart to her role as a medical assistant at Immediate Care South Nashua, where she has become a trusted presence for patients and teammates alike. With more than 20 years in the medical field, including 16 years in a busy emergency room in Massachusetts, Kara brings deep experience and calm to a high-stress urgent care environment.

Her manager, Brenda, says, “Kara is able to connect with patients, especially patients with special needs, to make them feel at ease in a high-stress urgent care environment.” Brenda adds that Kara “always takes the time to listen to patients’ concerns and provide thoughtful, thorough explanations, ensuring every patient feels valued and respected.”

Kara plays a crucial role in keeping the office running smoothly. She initiates vital signs and testing for patients in the waiting room to support patient flow and help patients return home sooner. “She is always willing to lend a helping hand,” Brenda shares, noting that Kara’s foresight and anticipation of challenges have saved the team countless hours.

As a mother of an autistic child, Kara is especially passionate about supporting autistic patients and their families. “Providing compassionate, patient support to autistic individuals and their families during their Immediate Care visit is deeply important to me,” she says.

Kara is also deeply committed to giving back, recently organizing a Christmas gift donation for children in need. Kara’s dedication and kindness recently earned her the December SHINE Award, a well-deserved recognition of the light she brings to Southern New Hampshire Health every day.

Learn more about Kara and the team at Immediate Care at https://ow.ly/MGel50XUfns