2019 IN REVIEW

A LETTER FROM LESLIE WALKER, RIVERBEND BOARD CHAIR

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of being part of the Riverbend team. We have an extraordinary group of employees who are fully devoted to our mission and know that at the center of everything we do is the people we serve. That is why I am so proud of all that we’ve done to help people access behavioral health care when and where they need it. Some of the achievements in 2019 include the opening of:

• New Hampshire’s first Behavioral Health Crisis Treatment Center at 40 Pleasant Street in Concord. This walk-in center for individuals with an urgent mental health need fills an important gap in the continuum of care.

A new facility for Choices at 42 Pleasant Street. The new space is right next door to the Crisis Treatment Center and it helps us better serve people seeking substance use disorder services.

The Doorway at Concord, in partnership with Concord Hospital. This is part of the State’s Hub & Spoke strategy in response to the opioid crisis.

An on-site pharmacy at our Community Support Program. Knowing that co-locating pharmacies in behavioral health facilities leads to improved health outcomes, we partnered with Genoa Healthcare in this further step in integrating medical and behavioral health care.

Our efforts to bring services to underserved populations are highlighted in our work with the criminal justice system — vital work that reduces recidivism and improves lives includes:

• Our re-entry program, for people moving back into the community after incarceration, and

Our key role in the Merrimack County Drug Court program.

We’ve seen changes in 2019, too, with retirements and departures. I especially want to acknowledge the commitment and accomplishments of three Riverbend leaders:

• Angela Greene, for her decades of devotion to our workforce; Leslie Walker, Board Chair, Riverbend Community Mental Health

• Allan Moses, for his stewardship of our finances and facilities; and

Our CEO, Peter Evers, whose passion and commitment to this organization and to improving the mental health of our community is what made me want to get involved with Riverbend. He has been an inspiration to so many.

In 2019 Riverbend was named NH Business Magazine’s Nonprofit of the Year. The recognition is an honor and a direct result of the tireless work of our dedicated, dynamic staff and Board of Directors.

As I look ahead, I feel energized and excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our new Strategic Plan will guide us as we continue our efforts to:

• • • • • Improve the client experience,

Invest in our staff,

Reduce gaps across the continuum of care,

Increase behavioral health literacy, and

Ensure that our operations are efficient and scalable.

This year has been a period of significant transitions and achievements. I want to thank you for joining us and caring for the behavioral health of our community!

With gratitude,