As part of her efforts to combat the heroin and opioid crisis by strengthening prevention, treatment and recovery services in New Hampshire, Governor Maggie Hassan and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers announced today a new crisis hotline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help people struggling with addiction or substance misuse.
Individuals calling the New Hampshire Statewide Addiction Crisis Line will be able to receive at any time of day or night advice and referrals to appropriate services. The Addiction Crisis Line is operated by Keystone Hall with federal funding through a contract with the DHHS Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services.
"As we work to prevent addiction from happening in the first place, we must ensure that those already battling addiction can access services to treat this illness, just as we would with any other disease," Governor Hassan said. "This new hotline is an important step forward in connecting individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their families and friends, with vital information and services to help them get on the path to recovery."
Granite Staters struggling or who know someone struggling with addiction or substance misuse can call the New Hampshire Statewide Addiction Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-711-HELP (4357) or via email: hope@keystonehall.org. Individuals can also call 211 to receive information about the crisis hotline.
"We have established the statewide crisis line in the hope that it will aid in connecting people with available resources in their moment of crisis," said Commissioner Meyers. "The crisis line, as well as other new prevention, treatment and recovery resources, will make a difference in New Hampshire."
Information about the Statewide Addiction Crisis Line will be provided as a resource to treatment professionals, recovery support services, prevention professionals, first responders, hospitals, social workers, therapists, clinics, schools, advocacy groups, homeless shelters, nonprofits, and religious organizations and civic organizations throughout New Hampshire.
"We are so very thankful to the State for this critical funding to provide individuals, loved ones and community providers with immediate access to speak with someone who can guide them through the recovery process. This will greatly assist the State with the harrowing challenges of addiction, and will ultimately save lives," stated Annette Escalante, Vice President of Keystone Hall.
For more information on the NH Statewide Addiction Crisis Line, please visit www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/index.htm.