NH Union Leader – May 24, 2025
By GOVENOR KELLY AYOTTE
MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to highlight how important it is to prioritize mental well-being, remind people that help is available, and celebrate the work we’ve done so far to help those in need. But as May comes to an end, our commitment to mental health must be stronger than ever. Since taking office in January, I’ve gotten great input from partners at the Department of Health and Human Services, NAMI New Hampshire, and our community mental health centers. I’ve also heard from many Granite Staters who have shared their experiences and concerns. One message came through clearly: we cannot afford to move backward.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and our priorities should reflect that. I’m proud that our state is heading in the right direction on this. New Hampshire’s Medicaid program ranks #1 in the nation for mental health services, and our community mental health centers are on the front lines of helping these patients and thousands of Granite Staters facing mental health struggles.
We need to protect and strengthen our Medicaid program and community mental health centers so we can help providers continue to deliver this outstanding care. Bolstering our existing system will also help bring new providers to our state. That’s why I pushed back against the House’s decision to include a 3% rate cut to Medicaid providers and their cuts to community behavioral health centers. The Senate has restored these cuts, and I was pleased to see this happen.
A strong mental health system is not only essential for individuals and families — it’s also one of our most powerful tools in fighting the drug crisis. Many struggling with substance use disorders are also battling underlying mental health issues. We must make it easier for people to seek treatment for both, and at the same time, remove barriers that impede providers from treating these co-occurring challenges. Each day across our state, dedicated providers, advocates, and volunteers are meeting people where they are and helping connect struggling Granite Staters with the care, resources, and support they need. But their continued success depends on the State doing our part.
Beyond the ongoing budget process, we must work to bring more providers to our state and keep fighting for an even stronger mental health system for all of New Hampshire. Finally, I want to reach out directly to anyone struggling with their mental health and remind you that you are not alone. Help is available. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, you can call, text, or chat confidentially with a trained crisis worker 24/7 through 988 at no cost. Mental health matters every month, not just in May. Let’s keep pushing forward — together.
Kelly Ayotte, R, of Nashua is the 83rd governor of New Hampshire.