The Lakes Region Planned Giving Collaborative (LRPGC) is offering a free seminar entitled, “The Charitable Giving Landscape and Strategies That Work”. Guest speakers Keiron O’Brien of Fidelity Charitable Services and Dalton Gustafson of Fidelity Advisor Funds will present the seminar on Thursday, August 21^st in the Woodside Building at the Taylor Community in Laconia from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. 

This session is ideal for individuals, young and old, who have or are considering giving to a charitable cause. Attendees will receive a brief overview of the current charitable landscape as well as how the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund can help to support local non-profit organizations.

“In 2007, Americans donated $306 billion to charities,” stated Brian Winslow, Director of Development for Community Health and Hospice.  “The Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund is certainly one tool donors can use to organize their intent for the greatest impact.”

This seminar is free of charge and open to the public.  To register call Kelly at 524-1100 ext. 445.

Formed in 2006 by founding partners Community Health & Hospice, Genesis Behavioral Health, LRGHealthcare and Spaulding Youth Center, the Lakes Region Planned Giving Collaborative strives to increase awareness of planned giving opportunities and to provide information to those individuals who would like to leave a lasting legacy to the charitable organizations dearest to their hearts.

Locally, many social service agencies and groups have worked to lessen the impact of child abuse. One such group, The Trauma Intervention Program, a partnership between Genesis Behavioral Health, Child and Family Services of NH, and New Beginnings, serves a number of child abuse victims.

“Between October 2006 and September 2007, our program served 90 children suffering from trauma related to abuse,” commented Laura Deschenes, the Child Trauma Outreach Clinician and coordinator for the Trauma Intervention Program. “The effects of their trauma are profound; poor school performance, court involvement, and high risk behaviors. We are grateful that we have been able to reach this many children, but we know there are many more out there.”

According to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, 894 children were victims of child abuse in fiscal year 2005. Of those 60% were victims of neglect, 20% were physically abused, and 20% were sexually abused. During that same year, Belknap County had the fourth highest rate of child maltreatment for those aged 0 to 17.

For further information on the Trauma Intervention Program or to access services for a child victim of abuse, contact Laura Deschenes, at 603-524-1100 ext. 279. The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) is made possible by a grant awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and administered through the NH Department of Justice. TIP seeks to educate the public about childhood trauma and its effects while providing clinical treatment and peer support for those affected.

You are cordially invited to attend...

A gathering to help people wondering about…

• What are my rights as a client of mental health services in New Hampshire?
• How can I become my own best advocate?
• How can I get the most out of NH Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
• What do I need to know about my benefits and employment income?
• How can I make sure that my treatment plan meets my needs?
• How can I use information about mental health, mental illness and mental health services to improve my life?

Consumers of community mental health services and family members are invited to attend an informational session promoting empowerment and recovery.  An array of topics will be explored including effective self-advocacy, how work affects my benefits, and how to know what is available to me through my community mental health center and my own journey of recovery. Please join us in learning, sharing and discussing with statewide experts as we discuss strategies that will help us to get the most from our state mental health services. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tom Fox Chapel
Main Building, Hugh Gallen Office Park
105 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH

To register, or for more information, contact Dorinda Downing at 603-271-5000 or ddowning@dhhs.state.nh.us.  Register early, as space is limited. 

Registration deadline is April 15, 2008.

Sponsored by the NH Bureau of Behavioral Health and Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center ***Lunch will be provided!

To view the most recent newsletter of the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs please click here.

For over 40 years, the staff at Genesis has placed thousands of individuals on the path to recovery from mental illness through individual and group counseling and psychiatric evaluations. Providing those who are most challenged by their illness with support for basic life skills such as public interaction and stable employment. The agency also works to foster stronger family relationships and communities. Genesis provides emergency mental health services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

As a leader in the use of technology in health care, Genesis will be offering demonstrations of their cutting edge telemedicine equipment. Information and educational materials will also be available and several staff members will be on hand to answer questions about the agency and the work it does. In addition to receiving valuable information on mental health, an array of refreshments will be available.

Please come to this great event on March 12th from 5PM - 7PM. Members, non-members and invited guests are welcome. Each person who attends will be entered into a door prize raffle.

Please RSVP to the Chamber for this event at 524-5531. For further information or directions visit http://www.genesisbh.org/.

Lacroix, the Executive Director of Cornerbridge, a peer support agency in Laconia, Concord and Franklin, was celebrated for his ability to promote increased awareness, sensitivity, and acceptance of mental health issues in the Lakes Region. “Dave is always working to build community supports for those with mental illness,” remarked Pritchard. “His dedication to the cause is remarkable.”

Genesis also awarded staff members Makiko Fujita and Linda Hagan for their excellence in both clinical and administrative duties respectively.

Genesis Behavioral Health is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. Genesis provides services and programs to the community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information contact GBH at 603-524-1100 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org/

Genesis Highlighted on NHPR

On Monday, October 22^nd, New Hampshire Public Radio aired a segment spotlighting Genesis’ Trauma Intervention Program. Below is a transcript of that piece by Dianne Finch. For more information visit, www.nhpr.org

National reports show that one in four children will experience some

In April, 32 individuals lost their lives and many more were changed forever, at the hands of a mentally ill teenager on the campus of Virginia Tech. After such unspeakable loss it is natural to ask how did this happen? Who is to blame? And what can be done to ensure that it never happens again? With the completion of the inquiry into the events surrounding that day, it is worth considering what the findings mean for our community.

Perhaps the most shocking revelation of the panel’s investigation is that many things were done right. Cho received mental health care starting at the age of seven, he had the support of his family, and he seemed to be in control of his illness. So what happened?

As Cho began to transition to a more independent, adult life; his support base shifted from his immediate family to his broader community. Despite their direct, daily contact, Cho’s professors and classmates felt paralyzed to act. Cho’s high school did not share his history, campus police did not share his activities, and the campus counseling service did not share his symptoms.

The stigma that surrounds mental illness is very powerful. Individuals often do not seek treatment and family and friends do not refer a person for services out of fear.

In all of this, there are lessons, lessons we as community members need to understand; that mental illness is not something to fear, like any other disease mental illness can be treated, and recovery can be the reality. Open communication will assist those dealing with mental illness to get help and will mitigate the tragedies that too often occur like that at Virginia Tech.

At Genesis Behavioral Health is the Lakes Region’s community mental health center, the doors are open, as are our ears. Should you have questions or comments or would like to refer someone for services, please call 524-1100. The longer any of us remains silent, the more powerful stigma becomes.

From October 7th through the 13th, Americans across the country join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in observing Mental Illness Awareness Week. It is a week for education and hope.

As a nation, we face challenges from misinformation, stigma and lack of access to treatment and services for people with mental illness. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that can interfere with a person’s thinking, moods, and ability to relate to others. One only needs to skim the pages of a newspaper to confront the reality of mental illness.

One in four adults--approximately 57.7 million Americans--experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Yet the stigma sometimes associated with mental illness keeps people from getting help they need.

We can erase misinformation with education. Mental illnesses can affect anyone. They also can be treated. Most people with mental illnesses can lead productive, fulfilling lives. Those who do not get help often face unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness or suicide. The national economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year. The emotional costs for these individuals, their families and friends are immeasurable.

During Mental Illness Awareness Week, Genesis Behavioral Health, the Lakes Region’s community mental health center, and NAMI-NH will walk together to raise awareness and promote education. We challenge you to assist us in our endeavors. Please take the opportunity to educate yourself, friends, neighbors and community leaders about mental illness. Do it for the health of all Americans.

“The issues of access and integration between primary health care and mental health care are key to our success,” remarked Pritchard. “Behavioral health services are needed by many, in order to afford them full participation in our community. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with a dedicated and talented staff and board of directors to continue this important work.”

Dr. Beth Taylor of Gilford has been named to Genesis Behavioral Health’s Board of Directors. “It is a pleasure to be able to count Beth as a member of our team,” stated Peter Minkow, President of the Board. “Her medical expertise will enhance our organization’s ability to serve the community.”

Dr. Taylor, a graduate of the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine, has cared for the Lakes Region for nearly ten years. She has served on the Rural Health Task Force and is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society. As an emergency room physician at Franklin Regional Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, and Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, Beth has seen first hand the impacts of mental health issues on patients.

“I look forward to working with the GBH Board of Directors,” commented Taylor. “I know that the work done by the agency makes a positive difference in our community and I am proud to be part of that.”

This week Genesis Behavioral Health announced a new support group for men who have served in the United States military. The group will begin on August 13th from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Meetings will take place over eight weeks and will be held at Genesis’ Plymouth office located at 607 Tenney Mountain Highway in Plymouth.

Each week participants will focus on a variety of topics including: reintegrating w/ family and friends, identifying barriers and coping strategies, stress reduction, and self esteem/assertiveness. Sessions will be lead by trained mental health professionals and are designed to combat common post deployment issues including anxiety, depression, mood swings, and fatigue.

“Fifteen to thirty percent of Soldiers returning from Iraq experience post-traumatic stress symptoms or other mental health symptoms,” states Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie, MD, MPH Director, Proponency Office for Behavioral Health at U.S. Army Medical Command. “This is not unusual after combat. Recognizing and treating these symptoms early is key.”

Those interested in participating in this group must complete an initial interview by August 3rd. To schedule an appointment or to obtain more information, contact 536-1118.

TIP focuses on children who have experienced a violent or traumatic event and are struggling with the impact. Children from all walks of life can be impacted by traumatic events. These events may include abuse, assault, witnessing domestic violence, car accidents, the death of a family member, natural disasters, and school violence. Symptoms vary according to age and family strengths, but often include problems with sleeping, anger, difficulties in school, and excessive shyness as well as anxiety and fear. At this time the Trauma Intervention Program has served over forty children.

Services include direct clinical care by the staff at GBH with support from the Dartmouth Trauma Intervention Research Center. New Beginnings provides peer support groups and one on one peer support for children of all ages. Supports for parents and families are offered through Child and Family Services’ Circle of Parents Support Groups.

“TIP is a one of a kind,” remarked Laura Deschenes, Child Trauma Outreach Clinician at GBH. “All three agencies have been able to use their strengths to address the needs of the community.”

Childhood trauma has been found to have long lasting effects. In a study of over 17,000 middle-class American adults, it was determined that people who had experienced some form of trauma as a child were at a significantly greater risk for serious health impacts later in life, including addiction, heart attack, and early death.

“We have come together as a partnership to provide support, education and advocacy to the children and families of our community,” stated Deschenes. “Our goals are to reach out to the victims of traumatic events to help them understand what they have seen and to cope with the effects. TIP is working to secure, happy, healthy, productive lives for all the children in our community.”

Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. GBH provides services and programs to the community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information on the Trauma Intervention Program or to access services, contact Laura Deschenes, at 603-524-1100 ext. 279.

Building on the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Grant from the Lisa Gelfand Fund, GBH will collaborate and share resources with several other community mental health centers throughout the state. One such collaboration with Monadnock Family Services of Keene has already begun to focus on using the technology to share training experiences. The project will also someday connect health care providers and clients through video conferencing.

“Because of this grant we will be able to generate new and innovative ways to serve our clients,” commented Joe Capuchino, Director of Operations at GBH. “Considering that both Belknap and Grafton counties are designated mental health professional shortage areas, Northway Bank has created an opportunity for not only the agency, but also the individuals we serve.”

Northway Bank serves Northern and Central New Hampshire, as well as the state's Lakes Region from twenty full-service locations. Headquartered in Berlin, the institution provides individual, institutional, and corporate customers a range of banking services that include commercial and retail banking.

Gilford Wal-Mart recently presented Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) with a check for $1,000.00 as part of the company’s community grant program. Wal-Mart is the largest corporate contributor to the non-profit sector in the United States. The chain strives to meet the needs of the individual communities in which their stores exist.

“GBH serves a specific need in our area,” remarked Brenda Holgate, representative of the Gilford Wal-Mart store. “At anytime our family, friends, or employees could find themselves in need of mental health services. We are proud to partner with GBH to ensure that help will be available.”

The funds donated by Wal-Mart will be used to cover the cost of providing mental health services to residents of the Lakes Region with little or no insurance coverage.

“We are very grateful for the support we receive from Wal-Mart and other individuals and organizations throughout our community,” stated Helen Holbrook, member of the GBH Board of Directors. “It is because of them that we are able to make a difference in the Lakes Region.”

Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. GBH provides services and programs to the community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information contact GBH at 603-524-1100 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org/

Rosenberg and his team have found that under-served populations for trauma-related services, including youth, patients in primary care and internal medicine, cultural minorities, those with co-occurring psychiatric disabilities and those living in rural areas, are at high-risk for trauma exposure. Unfortunately, these same groups do not generally receive scientifically validated interventions, leading to other negative behavioral, substance abuse and physical health outcomes. Currently, Rosenberg is the principal investigator on a four year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration to extend the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to youth in NH.

One group of children visited the New Hampshire Humane Society and Heritage Farm in Sanbornton to learn the value of empathy. Another group faced a rock wall with the goal of increasing self-esteem and strengthening problem solving skills. And still another group, facilitated by GBH staff and councilors from Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield focused on teamwork while learning to canoe.

“This program gives our clients the ability to have hands on, real world opportunities to use the skills that they are learning,” commented Christine Gauthier, GBH case manager and leader of the canoeing trip. “They are great kids and this is a terrific program.”

TREK is made possible in part by donations from area residents and businesses. To find out how you can donate or to learn more about the TREK program contact Theresa Mahoney at 603-524-1100 extension 443

Dr. Harris, who was in practice as a pediatrician at the Laconia Clinic in the early ‘60s, became concerned with the lack of services available to the children of the Lakes Region. The only mental health services available to his patients were weekly visits from Dr. Anna Philbrook of Concord. The Community Mental Health Center Act, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, sought to reorganize the country’s mental health system to support individuals with mental health issues in a community setting.

“I have high hopes for the beginning of something real,” stated Harris at the meeting of a mental health center exploratory committee in February 1966. Dr. Harris and a small group of dedicated individuals focused on making the vision of a local mental health center a reality. As a result the Lakes Regional Mental Health Center opened its doors on July 6th 1966.

Forty years later, GBH continues to provide quality mental health services to the community. Serving over 2500 clients in 2005, the center continues to enhance the quality of life for many in the Lakes Region.

“It is a real honor to have the Harrises chair our celebration,” commented Coughlin. “Dr. Harris and his team of visionaries worked hard to build the strong foundation that allows GBH to continue to serve the communities of the Lakes Region.”

“It is very rewarding to see what the early clinic has become,” said Barbara Harris. “We thank all of those who made it possible!”

The evening’s program focused on the history of the organization and the contributions that Dr. Harris and the original mental health center founders made to the community. “The mental health clinic was burgeoning; always busy and always in need of funds,” commented Barbara Harris, honorary co-chair of GBH’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. “Pete and his team started with one employee and a commitment to bring quality mental health care to our area. It is amazing to see how the commitment of a few individuals has made a difference for so many.”

GBH, originally named the Lakes Region Mental Health Center, first opened its doors on July 6, 1966. With outreach efforts focusing on children, adults and the elderly, the center continues to serve over 1800 clients annually. GBH has partnered with area schools, LRGHealthcare and local nursing homes to provide a strengthened support system for those in need.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where individuals can and do make a difference,” stated Michael Coughlin, GBH Executive Director. “Dr. Harris and many of the individuals represented here tonight saw a need for quality mental health care in the Lakes Region. I am honored to have a role in supporting their vision.”

Peter Minkow, President Board of Directors expressed his appreciation, “It is a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful organization. Tonight is our way of thanking all of those people who worked so tirelessly to make the quality of life better for so many. Our children and families continue to benefit from their efforts”

Dr. and Mrs. Pete Harris are the honorary co-chairs of Genesis Behavioral Health’s 40th anniversary annual meeting which is scheduled October 24th. For additional details, contact Theresa A. Mahoney, GBH Director Communications and Development.

GBH’s operates under the belief that children with mental health problems can live happy, productive lives if they receive care early enough. Through programs like the Therapeutic Recreational Experience for Kids (TREK), the Children’s Theater Group, and Girls on the Run, GBH clinicians are involved with all aspects of their young clients’ lives.

“We not only council children through traditional means, but we also use play and hands on interaction to aid in the process,” commented Ray Barrett, director of the Children and Family program. “This grant will be used to support the involvement of children in pro-social community activities.”
The Philbrook Children’s Fund, named for Dr. Anna Philbrook, is an advised fund within the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Further tying the book to the day’s activities, TREK Leaders helped the children, in groups of three, build their own volcanoes. Each volcano made of clay and yogurt containers took turns representing a child in the group. Before the eruption, each child was instructed to insert one toothpick into the side of the volcano to symbolize each member of the family. As the volcano let go the children saw the “lava” spill down over the sides and cover each of the toothpicks.

The TREK program also traveled to the Spaulding Youth Center to participate in their Rocks, Ropes and Rims day program. Children had the opportunity to participate by climbing a rock wall and cross country skiing. “These kids do not normally have the chance to experience healthy, fun activities such as cross-country skiing,” said Ray Barrett, Program Director. “Their families struggle to cover basic needs. TREK provides a fun experience that enhances each child’s self-esteem and confidence.”

Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. GBH provides services and programs to the community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information contact GBH at 603-524-1100 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org/

In Karen’s own words, she recognizes that “children with mental illnesses need to be held accountable” for their actions; at the same time she believes that it is best to keep a child in the community with his or her family and works to connect families with services that can help the family and child become successful while remaining in the community.

Karen Thurston’s volunteer activities include:

• Genesis Behavioral Health,
• Parent Information Centers
• Cornerbridge
• Blue Star Mothers (Founder and President)
• Belknap County Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Team
• Enhance Life Options