Genesis Behavioral Health relocation nears completion

LACONIA — Building renovations are quickly nearing completion as Genesis Behavioral Health prepares to relocate its clinical and administrative offices to 40 Beacon St. East in downtown Laconia in early January. A Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greet and Community Open House are planned for Feb. 1.

To coincide with the move, the organization will be embracing their corporate name, the Lakes Region Mental Health Center, which was first established when they opened their doors more than 50 years ago. “Dr. George 'Pete' Harris, one of our founders, understood that mental health care and physical health care is fundamentally linked,” said Maggie Pritchard, executive director. “There are multiple associations between mental health and chronic physical conditions that significantly impact people’s quality of life, increase demands on health care and other publicly funded services, and generate consequences to society. The renovation of this property into a state-of-the-art medical facility for our patients and for the community will allow us to close service gaps, enhance the quality of care, expand the services available to our patients, and make access to care easier for those that need it. It is the next step towards furthering our mission of providing integrated health care to the residents of the Lakes Region. I am pleased to have the opportunity to expand and strengthen our relationships with the community in bringing this much needed project to the greater Lakes Region.”

The Lakes Region Mental Health Center facility will provide space for trainings, education, and enrichment opportunities. Partnerships between community members, area businesses, foundations and other stakeholders will allow the organization to more effectively meet the needs of the community and contribute to the region’s overall wellbeing and economic vitality, says Ann Nichols, director of development and public relations.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about this project or who wishes to donate to the capital campaign may do so at cc.genesisbh.org or by contacting Ann Nichols at 603-524-1100  extension 445 or via email at anichols@genesisbh.org.