Be the Change: Addressing Mental Health and Addiction in Our Community

A group of community members and officials smiling as they cut a red ribbon to inaugurate the new prescription drug take-back box at the Peterborough Police Department
Be the Change: Addressing Mental Health and Addiction in Our Community
Working Together for a Healthier Monadnock Region

Be the Change—Behavioral Health Task Force

Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) has partnered with local agencies and individuals to form Be the Change—Behavioral Health Task Force, a team dedicated to enhancing community education and raising awareness about behavioral health needs, including mental health and substance use, within our community.

This vital group’s initiatives include:

  • Organizing and conducting community education programs
  • Building peer support groups
  • Creating a comprehensive resource guide for the Eastern Monadnock Region
  • Holding Narcan training sessions to help reverse opioid overdoses

Together, our community continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use issues. Let’s continue to work together for a healthier future.


MCH Leads a Community Task Force to Provide Education and Resources

A circular image of a green, tree-covered mountain is positioned at the top center of the graphic. Below, the text 'Be the Change' is written in blue, with the words 'Behavioral Health Task Force' underneath. A blue dragonfly is featured on the right side of the image, aligned with the textDue to the increasing demand for mental health and addiction support services, Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) established the “Be the Change” initiative, a community-based task force committed to providing vital education and resources regarding substance use and mental health to our community. This task force is a collaborative effort, bringing together many essential community partners, including the Peterborough Police Department, local fire departments, schools, resource centers, parents, and individuals in recovery.

“Be the Change” plays a crucial role in the Monadnock Region, offering a wide range of initiatives designed to support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges and substance abuse. In addition to organizing community educational forums that increase awareness and understanding of these issues, the task force provides support-group guides to help residents find the resources they need. Monthly Narcan administration training sessions are also hosted to empower community members with life-saving skills, reflecting our commitment to combating the opioid crisis.

One of the recent achievements of the “Be the Change” task force is the installation of a prescription drug take-back box at the Peterborough Police Department, made possible through the generosity of the 100+ Women Who Care – Peterborough. This secure and accessible take-back box, the first of its kind in the eastern Monadnock region, is available to the public during Police Department business hours. It offers a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications, thereby reducing the risk of substance misuse within our community.

At MCH, we understand the importance of addressing mental health and addiction with compassion and collaboration. The “Be the Change” initiative is a result to our dedication to improving the well-being of our community by providing comprehensive support and fostering strong partnerships. We invite everyone in the Monadnock region to participate in our efforts to create a healthier, safer environment for all.

A close-up of a hand depositing a prescription bottle into a new prescription drug drop box labeled 'Prescription RX Drug Drop' at the Peterborough Police Department

The new prescription drug take-back box located at the Peterborough Police Department Members of Be the Change—Behavioral Health Task Force, representatives of 100+ Women Who Care – Peterborough, and Police Chief Scott Guinard cutting the ribbon of the new prescription drug take-back box.