Dear Friend, 

Reflecting on September 11th 

This week, I was honored to join veterans and their families at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton to reflect on the anniversary of September 11^th. We can never forget the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives on that fateful day. America remains forever grateful to the brave first responders who rushed towards danger to save our fellow citizens. We also honor those who answered the call to service to protect our freedoms and way of life. To the men and women in uniform and their families, we owe a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay. 

Fighting For Our Veterans 

While we honor those who have served, we must ensure that they have the support they need when they return home. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and this week I gave a speech highlighting the importance of mental health services for returning veterans. The prevalence of suicide among our servicemembers is a stain on our collective conscience. While we have taken steps to improve mental health services for veterans, much more needs to be done to ensure no veteran is left behind. 

Breaking Ground 

We must work to make sure every veteran has a safe and stable place to call home. Today I joined Senator Hassan at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Boulder Point Veterans Housing Project in Plymouth—the first of its kind in northern New Hampshire. I was pleased to help secure Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, which will guarantee the necessary rental income for Boulder Point as it provides homes to those who have given so much in service to our nation. I’m excited to see the Boulder Point project come to life, and I will continue working to support all of our veterans in their time of need. 

Taking on the Opioid Epidemic 

This week, I announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will award Harbor Homes a grant of $400,000 to support transitional housing for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. We know that many individuals who suffer from substance use disorder are also dealing with a co-occurring, and often undiagnosed, mental health issue. Taking on the opioid epidemic and substance misuse requires a comprehensive response and this grant will allow Harbor Homes to expand housing programs that are crucial for people struggling with substance use disorder to access the services they need to recover and transition back into their community. As the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioid Task Force, I have worked to strengthen treatment and recovery services in New Hampshire and will continue to push for resources to support those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic here in New Hampshire. 

Welcoming Dr. Wen 

I am excited that Planned Parenthood named Dr. Leana Wen as their new President. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Wen on efforts to address the opioid epidemic and know that she will work tirelessly to protect access to healthcare for women and their families. 

Here to Serve You

As your Representative, my most important job is supporting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was recently contacted by Craig Stavseth of Westmoreland, who had an issue of concern with his health coverage through the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). My staff worked with CMS and helped resolve Craig’s concern. If my office may be of assistance with a problem you are experiencing, please don't hesitate to reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.

As always, thank you for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to call home. I hope you enjoy your weekend! 

Sincerely,