2022 IN REVIEW

A LETTER FROM JIM DOREMUS, RIVERBEND BOARD CHAIR

On behalf of the Riverbend Board of Directors, CEO Lisa Madden, and staff, we hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and well. Even as our world becomes increasingly complicated and complex, Riverbend continues to fulfill its mission of meeting the mental health needs of our community. We are emerging from the challenges of COVID as a more progressive, innovative organization and a leader in the field. Riverbend’s enduring education efforts to eradicate the negative stigma associated with mental health, broad array of evidence-based treatment solutions, and creative approach for addressing work-force development continues to surge forward and help make our community and state a better place to live and prosper.

Riverbend is a leader in New Hampshire when it comes to educating and increasing awareness for our community and state on issues related to mental health. As we all know, the negative perception associated with individuals afflicted with mental health issues is cruel and damaging. Riverbend’s persistent and compassionate efforts to inform us all through Mental Health Awareness Month offerings, Mental Health First Aid Training, and the long-running initiatives Change Direction NH (Know the Five Signs) and This is My Brave are working. These are helping to change the culture of mental health by increasing awareness of the impact of mental health issues, humanizing and accepting individuals living with mental health challenges as valued members of our society, and recognizing that there are treatments and solutions that work.

Mobile Crisis, an innovative program that Riverbend initiated a few years ago, has evolved into the state-wide resource, New Hampshire Rapid Response (NHRR). NHRR provides urgent mobile crisis and stabilization services to New Hampshire residents experiencing a behavioral health and/ or substance use crisis. New Hampshire’s ten Community Mental Health Centers work together to provide a collective, collaborative system of care via regional and cross-regional deployment responses 24/7/365 across the lifespan. NHRR is a vital component of NH’s wellness, offering services without geographical boundaries to all NH residents in a manner that is responsive, equitable, and empathetic to the unique needs of individuals and families.

Virtually every organization is contending with a shortage of employees; Riverbend has been no exception. In addition to market-rate wage adjustments, our creative approach emphasizes the broader work experience and environment through a wide menu of offerings to our employees. These include a re-invented tenure bonus system, on-site chair massages, increasing the number of employees in the State Loan Repayment Program, Peer and Manager support groups, and much more. Combined, our efforts are making a significant and tangible impact showcasing Riverbend as a supportive and attractive employer and a great place to work.

We move into 2023 building upon the successes of the past year while focusing on responding to the increased demand for our services and expanding our advocacy. This Annual Report highlights some of our work from 2022 and how we have positively impacted the lives of those we serve. I would like to thank the Board of Directors, our amazing staff, and our supporters whose commitment and dedication is truly making a difference.

With Appreciation,

Jim Doremus

Jim Doremus, Board Chair