WE TREAT. WE EDUCATE. WE ADVOCATE.

A FORWARD FROM LISA K. MADDEN

Greetings!

I recently spent time reviewing Riverbend’s last two Annual Reports. They span a time we now refer to as the “COVID Era” and attest to a period rife with unparalleled challenges, but in these reports, I also see a written history of how those trials were overcome: with resilience, versatility, and resolve.

In this 2022 Riverbend Annual Report, we take what we’ve learned from the past and step toward a new era of possibility. This is an especially opportune time to reflect, because the 2022 Annual Report marks the 60th year of Riverbend’s history. It’s a history that began with The Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act, which was signed into law in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. We’ve come a long way since 1963, and as we look ahead, we see that there is so much left to do.

The theme for this Annual Report focuses on three mission-driven activities at the heart of what Riverbend is about:

• We Treat — assisting people of all ages with their mental health concerns and challenges.

• We Educate — sponsoring informative events and reaching out to schools, first responders, civic organizations and community groups to inform and fight stigma.

• We Advocate — connecting with legislators and other advocacy groups to petition for meaningful change in the State’s approach to mental health.

Inside we’re featuring some key voices from within Riverbend. The leaders of many of our treatment programs are eager to share some achievements of this past year. They highlight, too, some possibilities they are excited about as they look ahead to the unfolding of 2023.

And in the spirit of education and advocacy, this Annual Report includes a very brief look at the New Hampshire lawmaking process along with some ideas about how we each can become more involved. So, it’s with great appreciation for our staff, clients, and many vital partners in central New Hampshire, that I offer you our Annual Report for 2022.

Enjoy,

President & CEO Riverbend