On May 22, the Granite State News Collaborative hosted its first community engagement event, “Solutions From the Frontlines:  A Community Behavioral Health Conversation” at the Franklin Pierce University campus in Manchester.

More than 70 people gathered to hear stories from people who faced the challenges with mental illness and substance use disorders and their journeys to find solutions. Journalists, policymakers and mental health, substance use recovery and treatment leaders from around the state heard first-hand accounts of what it’s like to navigate New Hampshire’s behavioral health system and engaged in a conversation about fixes to the challenges in that system.

“Our goal was to elevate the voices of people with first-hand experience in the discussion about solutions to these issues,” said Melanie Plenda, project manager for the Granite State News Collaborative.

Participants also heard from a panel of practitioners and officials on the frontlines of these dual crises.

“This event went beyond the usual suspects you've seen on panel discussions before on behavioral health, according to Plenda.  “Every journalist said they met a new source and left with a story idea. There was a strong consensus amount the attendees that the event inspired people to get involved with behavioral health in their community and motivated people to learn more about GSNC.”

For more information on partnerships with The GSNC contact Melanie Plenda at Melanie.Plenda@collaborativenh.org