Day-long forum on substance misuse planned for May 16 in Sandwich

SANDWICH — The Town of Sandwich will host a county-wide community forum, "Pathways from Silence to Solutions: Carroll County Responds to Substance Use Disorders" on May 16 in the Peaslee Building on the Sandwich Fair Grounds. The Carroll County Coalition for Public Health, Sandwich Police Department, and White Mountain Restorative Justice have partnered to organize the forum. This day-long event is a follow up to the forum held in Sandwich in 2015, "Pathways from Silence to Solutions: Carroll County Tackles Heroin."

The forum will bring together individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities, while addressing the complex issues related to substance misuse. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Registration information is available on the Carroll County Coalition for Public Health website, www.c3ph.org.

The Carroll County Commissioners, the County delegation, Senator Jeb Bradley and town officials have been invited to attend. Representatives from Senators Shaheen and Hassan, and Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter have also received invitations. Governor Sununu's Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health, James Vara, will also address the forum attendees.

The 2017 program will include presentations by panelists from several community sectors, including law enforcement, health care, government, education and community supports. Presenters will highlight the progress made in addressing gaps in available services and the barriers that have challenged people trying to get the help they need. Following the panel presentations, participants in the forum will have an opportunity to share their ideas for moving forward to provide additional prevention initiatives, treatment resources, and recovery supports in the county. This is an opportunity for others to become involved and to work to mitigate the substance misuse challenges facing our communities.

Major sponsors for this event include Huggins Hospital and Memorial Hospital, with additional support from the following generous and committed community partners: Big Dave's Bagels and Deli, The Corner House Inn, Sandwich Fair Association, Town of Sandwich, United Site Services, and Village Green Café and Market. The Carroll County Coalition for Public Health, an initiative of Granite United Way, receives funding and support to address substance misuse from the NH Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.