🌱 No More Psychiatric Boarding In ER + Potential Snowstorm Ahead

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Manchester Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

A bit of morning snow; cloudy. High: 42 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories today in Manchester:

• About one to three inches of snow is expected in northern and central New Hampshire today (Mar. 2). The Manchester area will see some quick hits of snow and mixed precipitation before temperatures turn mild today afternoon with highs in the 40s and some partial sunshine. A snowstorm is highly likely going into Friday and Saturday. At least six inches of snow could accumulate. (WMUR)
• In a federal order issued on Feb. 23, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and 18 New Hampshire hospitals were given one month to phase out psychiatric boarding in emergency departments. The order was issued as a response to a lawsuit against DHHS related to involuntary emergency admissions. A person who shows up to an emergency room while experiencing a mental health crisis might be held if they pose a danger to others. They are then transferred to the state hospital or a designated receiving facility, which the lawsuit called a violation of the Fourth Amendment. The judge agreed. (WMUR)
• Restoring commuter rail service from Boston through Manchester would cost more than $799 million, according to a new draft study completed for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The report claims that fares would cover only 82 percent of that operating budget, and that annual state taxpayer subsidy could be as low as $200,000 and as high as $3.5 million, depending on how people many use the service. (Construction Equipment Guide)

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Today in Manchester:

• Family Storytime At Manchester City Library (10:00 AM)
• Pop Up Picnic Park Date For Couples! At Livingston Park (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Professor and author Mia Mask is joining The Manchester and Ashland Public Library to discuss her new book "Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western" virtually on Wednesday, Mar. 29 at 7 p.m. Those interested can register at the link. (Manchester City Library)
• Looking for a new furry family member? Meet Diamond! A 7-year-old Pit Bull Terrier, Diamond, is up for adoption and is described as energetic, curious, and lovable. For more information, you can email Canines@manchesteranimalshelter.org or check out her Petfinder profile at the link. (Manchester Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• As a reminder, Manchester will distribute funds to assist with fixed business costs accrued on or after Mar. 3, 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act Small Business Grant and Program Assistance (SBPGA). SBPGA money, designed to help small business owners recover from the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, will range from $2,500 to $10,000. Awards will be determined by need. Any small businesses interested in learning more about the program can contact the Manchester Economic Development Office at the link. (City of Manchester, NH Economic Development)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.