Manchester Opioid Recovery Hub Set Up With $46M Grant

MANCHESTER, NH -- Manchester is one of nine "recovery hubs" established across New Hampshire to combat the state's opioid crisis. The hubs, which also include Concord, Nashua and Dover, were recently announced after the Trump administration approved a $46 million grant for New Hampshire opioid recovery programs over the next two years. On Wednesday, the state Executive Council approved contracts with hospitals to expand opioid recovery services.

Governor Chris Sununu called the council vote "another big step for New Hampshire’s new innovative approach towards tackling the opioid crisis."

"For too long, our state has lacked a system of care that is strategic, results-driven, and that ensures that all Granite Staters can receive the care they need wherever they need it," Sununu said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing to work with our community partners to deliver the best quality of care for those that are impacted by this crisis."

The federal money will pay for medical treatment, group therapy and crisis lines, among other resources, officials said.

The nine regional recovery hubs are Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Dover, Laconia, Littleton, Berlin, Hanover and Keene — so help would be within an hour's drive for most Granite Staters.

"The State will expand (medical treatment), peer recovery supports services, access to recovery housing, evidence-based prevention programs, workforce opportunities, and training and education for providers and people in recovery," the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said in statement. "Existing programs also will be expanded to increase services for pregnant women and new parents with (opioid dependence), children and families involved with child welfare and individuals in correctional institutions."

New Hampshire has the third-highest drug overdose death rate in the country, according to federal statistics. Last year, 487 Granite Staters died of drug overdoses -- a modern record. Overdose deaths are tracking about 15 percent lower so far this year.

One program that officials said has saved countless lives is "Safe Station," which is run in Nashua and Manchester. It allows anyone to walk into any city fire station and get connected with opioid recovery help, no questions asked. Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan started the Safe Station program in 2016 and it was expanded to Nashua. More than 5,000 people have sought help through Safe Station in both cities, officials said.

President Trump praised the program as example of how community members can help fellow citizens struggling with drug addiction.

"I am calling on every American to join the ranks of guardian angels like Chief Goonan ... who help lift up the people of our great nation," Trump said in a national address last year in Manchester in which he declared opioid abuse a national public health emergency.

Previous:

• Nashua Opioid Crisis: 2,000+ Get Help With 'Safe Station'
• NH Awarded $46M For Opioid Recovery Programs
• Trump: Opioid Overdoses A 'Public Health Emergency'

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