(Concord, NH) - Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited Riverbend Community Mental Health, where she toured the facility and met with leadership and clinicians. This visit is part of Kuster’s listening tour of hospitals and healthcare centers in New Hampshire’s second congressional district, which she kicked off in February. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, Kuster will highlight the perspective of Granite Staters as she works to lower costs and increase access to healthcare. Riverbend works in partnership with Concord Hospital as one of the nine ‘Doorways’ throughout New Hampshire that have been established as part of the state’s regional “Hub and Spoke” system for addiction and recovery services. Kuster has worked to increase funding for New Hampshire to address the opioid epidemic and last year helped secure $22.9 million in additional funding for the state, which financed the “Hub and Spoke” system.

“A robust healthcare delivery system that makes both general health and mental health care affordable and accessible is a critical component of addressing the opioid epidemic,” said Kuster.  “The leaders and clinicians at Riverbend are committed to helping patients recover and rebuild their lives, but they can’t do it alone—Congress must work to improve our healthcare system and lower costs and barriers to access. I appreciate hearing from these dedicated healthcare providers and I will share their insights with my colleagues as we continue our efforts to expand and improve access to care for all Americans.”

“It is wonderful that Congresswoman Kuster is taking the time to see the work that is happening to address the issue of the opioid crisis and mental health,” said Peter Evers, CEO, Riverbend Community Mental Health Center. “In collaboration with Concord Hospital,  Riverbend is building a strong first responder model that makes our Doorway project an 'open door' for everyone, regardless of their behavioral health crisis.  The Congresswoman has always been a strong ally in the fight against addiction and we are proud to offer our services as a backdrop as she continues to keep the issue alive in the public arena.”

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