In 2005 The National Trust for Historic Preservation designated the Daniel Webster Homestead and farm in Franklin one of the 11 Most Endangered Properties in the country. Today, under the leadership of Alex Ray of the Common Man family of restaurants, this unique property is home to Webster Place Recovery Center. This private, nonprofit organization is committed to providing a quality, cost effective residential recovery environment for NH adults. Their mission is to help restore the lives of men and woman seeking sobriety, reduce their chances for relapse, and ease their transition back into everyday life. The Center is based on the twelve steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, although the facility is not associated with AA. Working the land is integral to the program as residents grow, harvest and prepare their meals onsite. For more information call (603) 934-2020 or go to www.websterplace.org Back to Top ^
a. Advanced Training for Leadership Partners a Success
New Futures’ Community Leadership Initiative (CLI) has just completed its second year of additional workshop offerings for those individuals who have participated in our one-day leadership retreat. Designed to further enhance the advocacy skills of Partners, offerings included Working with the Media, Treatment in New Hampshire, Reducing Underage Alcohol Problems-Best Practices, and Capitol Visits, guided tours of the State House accompanied by New Futures Policy Director and lobbyist. For information on becoming an advocate to reduce alcohol and other drug problems, visit www.new-futures.org/community-leadership-initiative.
b. New Hampshire Seeks to Close the Treatment Gap
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and New Futures collaborated with several state and community partners to prepare a Closing the Treatment Gap grant proposal to the Soros Foundation Open Society Institute. Closing the Treatment Gap aims to mobilize public support for expanded treatment by increasing public funding, broadening insurance coverage, and achieving greater program efficiency. More information on Closing the Treatment Gap is available at www.treatmentgap.org.
c. Betsy Payne Welcomed to the Board of Directors
New Futures is pleased to welcome Betsy Payne as a new board member. Betsy is currently working as a NH District Court Domestic Violence Specialist and serves on numerous community and state committees: NH Commission on the Status of Women, Interagency Co-coordinating Council on Women and Offenders, NH Governor’s Commission on Domestic Violence, and Proctor Academy Master Planning Committee. She formerly served as a director and vice-chair of the NH Charitable Foundation North County Region. Back to Top ^
The 2008 legislative session is fast coming to a close with many bills yet to be acted on. All legislative work (including the committee of conference process) is scheduled to conclude by June 5th. A number of bills of interest to New Futures, its leadership partners and the broader AOD community are still in play, including the following:
· HB 1197 would have repealed all restrictions on “happy hour” advertising (happy hours are those periods when on – premises licensees can offer alcohol at reduced prices). The forceful voices of advocates were heard at the public hearing in the Senate Commerce, Labor, and Consumer Protection Committee on April 29th. Two high school students with the Dover Youth to Youth program presented compelling testimony about the message sent by HB 1197 and its negative impact on youth. Additional testimony was provided by the NH Public Health Association and the state university system. The committee voted to recommend HB 1197 inexpedient to legislate by a vote of 6-0. This bill will be on the Senate Floor on May 8th.
· HB 1633 (relative to licensing alcohol and other drug counselors). New Futures supported this bill as a means to improve the licensing process for LADCs and to advance the conversation about how best to provide integrated treatment for individuals who have both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. This bill has passed both houses and is on the way to the governor for his signature.
· SB 324 (relative to the organization of AOD policy and services within the department of health and human services). New Futures supported this bill which directs the department to review its organizational structure for AOD policy and services and propose changes that will ensure that AOD policy and services are fully integrated and coordinated. SB 324 passed the House and Senate in different forms and may go to a committee of conference.
· HB 373 (relative to the penalties for the consumption of alcohol). New Futures supported this bill which was introduced at the request of the Chiefs of Police. It would allow underage youth who have consumed alcohol (but who are not in possession or intoxicated) to be sanctioned. This bill passed the House and had its public hearing in Senate Judiciary. It has not come the to the Senate floor.
· HB 432 (relative to certain on – premises beverages and liquor licenses). This bill has been referred to as the “tavern bill” because, as passed by the House, it strengthens the requirements for restaurant cocktail lounge licenses and creates a new license category of “tavern cocktail lounge” to ensure that establishments that function essentially to serve alcohol (as distinguished from legitimate restaurants with the commitment to promote and sell food) are properly classified and subject to additional licensing requirements and fees to ensure public health and safety. HB 432 was introduced at the request of the Liquor Commission as a way to deal with the abuse of the restaurant cocktail lounge license by large drinking establishments. New Futures supported the bill because its additional restrictions will significantly reduce access to alcohol by underage youth in certain establishments. HB 432 was heard in Senate Commerce, Labor, and Consumer Protection last week. The Committee expressed concern about creation of a “tavern license” and Liquor Commission is working on an amendment that would both address the committee’s concerns about taverns and improve enforcement of the restaurant cocktail lounge provisions. New Futures will continue to work on this bill with the Liquor Commission.
If you have any question about the legislative process or the bills listed above, please contact New Futures Policy Director, Tricia Lucas at tlucas@new-futures.org or 225–9540. New Futures will send out a final legislative report at the end of the session. Back to Top ^
a. NH Higher Education Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Survey Released
The NH Higher Education Alcohol and Other Drug Committee has released its 2007 state data report. The report illustrates substance abuse use and attitude trends among college students in New Hampshire. The Makin’ It Happen Coalition has posted the results on their website: www.makinithappen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=43
b. NE School of Prevention Studies Scholarships Available
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship in order to attend the Prevention School, please visit the scholarship page at the NEIAS Web Site and scroll down to New Hampshire to download the application. All scholarship requests should be made to Dianne Pepin of the NH Training Institute on Addiction Disorders. Please email her at dpepin@dhhs.state.nh.us or call 603-271-6101.
c. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Tool Kit
This public health campaign is designed to celebrate recovery in communities throughout the country. Start planning now for a successful September. To request a local coordinator’s tool kit available at no cost contact nipc@io.com or go to: www.inhalants.org.
a. On-Line Training for Physicians Now Available
A new, interactive video training program (with CEUs for doctors and nurses) from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) demonstrates quick and effective strategies for screening patients for heavy drinking and helping them to cut down or quit. Called "Video Cases: Helping Patients Who Drink Too Much," the program is available online at www.niaaa.nih.gov/guide.
b. APIS Announces Update of Alcohol Policy Information
The Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS), a project by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, announces its latest update of state-by-state alcohol policies. The January 1, 2007 update, which covers all 36 of the APIS “policy topics,” is now posted to the site found at: www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov. The update covers the period 1/2/2006 through 1/1/2007.
c. NIAAA Compiles Research for Pediatricians
In a special supplement to Pediatrics, edited and sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), physicians will have access in one place to the reviews and analyses of current research on biological, behavioral, and environmental changes during childhood and adolescence that foster the initiation, maintenance, and acceleration of illegal use of alcohol by underage youth. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/vol121/Supplement_4/
d. CADCA's New Publication Focuses on Environmental Prevention
The Coalition Impact: Environmental Prevention Strategies provides an overview of the environmental strategies approach to community problem solving. It includes real examples of efforts where environmental strategies aimed at preventing and reducing community problems related to alcohol and other drugs were implemented. www.coalitioninstitute.org/EnvironStrat/EnvironStratHome.asp Back to Top ^
a. Grafton County Drug Court Celebrates First Anniversary
Congratulations to the Grafton County Drug Court Sentencing Program as it nears its one-year anniversary. Their success is due to a lot of great people who staff the drug court team, treatment teams, and supervision teams. The project has had strong support from Grafton County officials, as well as the community at large. Judge Vaughan is the newly appointed drug court sentencing program presiding judge for this program that is changing lives, reuniting families, reducing crime and saving tax dollars.
b. NH Task Force on Women and Recovery Featured in National Publication
The NH Taskforce on Women and Recovery has been working with the justice system for years. The April/May 2008 issue of Women, Girls & Criminal Justice highlights NHTWR’s empowerment programs for women in recovery.
c. Campaign for Alcohol Free Sports Gathers Steam
A recent study found, among other things that American adults think it's wrong for universities and colleges to make money from beer advertising on college sports while they're trying to reduce underage and binge drinking on their campuses. They say beer advertising on college sports is inconsistent with the mission of higher education. To learn more and get involved, go to: www.beerfreesportstv.com.
d. Join the Discussion About Screening and Brief Intervention Standards
The Joint Commission is considering adopting quality standards for the practice of Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) in medical settings. Screening and Brief Intervention for alcohol and drug problems has now been implemented in enough hospitals to show that SBI is feasible at low cost and is of high benefit to patients and hospitals. Please choose carefully where to post your comments; there are forums for Ambulatory Health Care, Critical Access Hospital, and Hospital Accreditation Program. Go to: http://wikihealthcare.jointcommission.org/twiki/bin/view/Standards/ScreeningAndBriefIntervention to get started.
e. Center for Science in the Public Interest Applauds Maine's Tax Increases
"Here's an idea that Democrats and Republicans alike should get behind," said CSPI’s Executive Director. "Use small taxes on soda and booze to fund inexpensive interventions that improve diet, encourage physical activity, and otherwise prevent disease. Before too long we'd eventually spend billions less mopping up the mess with angioplasties, bypasses, statins, and other expensive surgeries and drugs." http://cspinet.org/new/200804181.html
f. Federal Health Insurers Add New Substance Abuse Services
Approximately 5.6 million Federal workers will now be covered for a substance abuse Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI). The new coverage will reimburse doctors who screen their patients for a full spectrum of substance use behaviors, including for alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drug abuse/addiction, and provide appropriate intervention. www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/news/press08/040708.html
g. JTO: Alcohol Blocks Fear Response
Drunken bravado has biological roots, according to a brain-scan study that finds that alcohol inhibits the ability to feel fear, HealthDay News reported April 30. "You're less likely to feel afraid, and you're also less likely to run away or to avoid conflict," said study co-author Daniel Hommer of the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2008/courage-in-a-bottle-no-myth.html Back to Top ^
See all this and more at: www.new-futures.org/calendar
a. Simple Gifts Prevention for Everyone: Behavior Kernels in the Application of Evidenced-Based Prevention Strategies
May 6, 2008 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concord, NH
Every month, trusted scientific journals publish studies about low-cost or no-cost preventive strategies. These strategies are scientifically known as behavioral kernels. For registration information contact: Dianne Pepin, 271-6101 or dpepin@dhhs.state.nh.us
b. Endowment for Health Community Listening Sessions in the Great North Woods
May 7, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Groveton, NH
You are invited to a conversation about the health issues facing your community and region, including emerging needs, ideas and successes. You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. For more information, go to www.endowmentforhealth.org.
c. Endowment for Health Community Listening Sessions in the White Mountains
May 14, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Campton, NH
You are invited to a conversation about the health issues facing your community and region, including emerging needs, ideas and successes. You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. For more information, go to www.endowmentforhealth.org.
d. Dartmouth Symposium on Substance Use
May 9, 2008, Collis Center, Hanover, NH
A conference for addiction professionals, educators, healthcare providers, justice workers, Dartmouth students and alumni and other community members interested in addressing the challenges of substance use in society. Register at: www.dartmouth.edu/~dcare/news.
e. Initial Training on Addiction
May 14, September 11, or November 19, 2008; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Concord
This 6-hour workshop is offered at no cost to policy makers and professionals in Human Services, Health, Criminal Justice, Education, etc. It is designed to give participants the ability to recognize alcohol and other drug problems and to understand the nature of the disease of addiction. To learn more, please contact: Shannon Quinn at (603) 271-5889.
f. Families and Addiction
May 15, September 11, or November 20, 2008; 9:00 a.m. - Noon, Concord
This free workshop explores how an individual's addiction affects the entire family system. Special attention will be paid to the effects on the children in the family and discussion will center on strategies and resources to help increase their resiliency and coping skills. "Initial Training on Addiction" is a pre-requisite. To learn more, please contact: Shannon Quinn at (603) 271-5889.
g. Continuing the Health Reform Dialogue: Innovative Stories from a Provider, an Employer, and a Community
May 21, 8:30 a.m.to noon, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
Please join the Citizens’ Health Initiative to hear one of America's leading clinical voices talk about quality and transparency initiatives that must become a part of our system. A major business leader from our region will then describe the actions they have taken to improve health and lower costs for their associates. Finally, you will hear from a New Hampshire community that has set out to be the healthiest community in the country by the year 2020. Register at: www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lVJ6KJoKwRM1ENuLOdfpFg_3d_3d
h. The 2008 New England School of Prevention Studies
June 9-11 Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH
Courses provide intensive, skill based training in research-based prevention programming for the prevention practitioner or administrator. www.neias.org/PSS/pss08.html.
i. The 2008 New England School of Addiction Studies
June 9-13 at Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH.
The Summer School is an intensive week-long experience for participants to further their knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of chemical dependency services through in-depth coursework. www.neias.org/SS/nesas08.html.
j. Symposium on Child Welfare, Women and Co-occurring Recovery
June 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH
This workshop will introduce the technology of collaboration, developed by the NCSACW, for working with children and families in recovery. Participants will identify follow up plans for implementing systematic changes that support a seamless response that promotes recovery and family reunification.
k. Peer-to-Peer Family Support Group Facilitator Training
June 21 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Concord, NH
Groups are facilitated by a parent/caregiver who has been trained in a nationally-recognized model, and who has also experienced the issues related to having a young family member who is using drugs and/or alcohol. Participants are asked to commit to at least one year of being a facilitator in their region. For more information, contact FASTER Coordinator Donna Rooney at (603) 225-5359 or at workherbee@comcast.net.
l. The 2008 New England School of Best Practices in Addiction Treatment
August 18-21, Waterville Valley Resort and Conference Center, Waterville, NH.
The agenda includes advanced coursework and specialized opioid dependence treatment coursework. More details available soon at: www.neias.org/SATneias.html.
m. Training on the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN)
December 2-5, 2008 Tom Fox Chapel, Concord, NH
GAIN is an evidence-based, computer-assisted tool designed to provide a standard biopsychosocial assessment using the DSM IV criteria for diagnosis and ASAM criteria for determining level of care and placement recommendations. Contact Maria Gagnon at mgagnon@new-futures.org or 658-2770 for more information. Back to Top ^
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