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Be the Change: Empowering Our Community for Better Behavioral Health

Four individuals standing together in a grassy field, facing away from the camera with their hands raised in unity as the sun sets behind them. The 'Be the Change Behavioral Health Task Force' logo is displayed on the left side, featuring a dragonfly and a landscape icon, symbolizing collective action and support for mental health
Be the Change: Empowering Our Community for Better Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Support in Monadnock Region

Be the Change: A Community Effort to Improve Health and Well-Being

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 textIn 2012, Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) recognized the urgent need for enhanced behavioral health support in the Monadnock Region. Through the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), significant health challenges were identified, including the need for better mental health services and addiction recovery support. As a result, MCH and partner organizations and individuals launched the Be the Change initiative, a community-driven program focused on improving behavioral health support throughout the region.

Building on Community Needs

The foundation of Be the Change lies in the findings of the 2012 CHNA, which highlighted key areas of concern, including behavioral health services, substance abuse prevention, and health education. The first meeting of Be the Change took place in May 2014 with just seven members. However, through dedication, community partnerships, and support from local organizations such as the Monadnock Ledger Transcript and 100+ Women Who Care, the initiative quickly gained traction​.

Expanding Behavioral Health Support

Cover of Monadnock Ledger-Transcript guide titled 'Support Groups & Resources of the Monadnock Region and Beyond.' The page features a prominent title in large text and includes a blue background with images of Monadnock Community Hospital and staff. The bottom section advertises MCH services, including Medical, Surgical, Orthopedics, Senior Services, and Primary Care, with a tagline 'Delivering Quality Care for More Than a Century.'A critical aspect of behavioral health support in the Monadnock Region is actively addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges through the Be the Change initiative, which has successfully partnered with local organizations, schools, and law enforcement to provide valuable resources such as Narcan training, peer support groups, and the installation of a Prescription Drug Take Back Box at the Peterborough Police Department—the only one in the Eastern Monadnock Region and Western Hillsborough County. Early on, Be the Change also created and distributed a comprehensive Resource Guide to all households in the MCH service area, connecting residents with vital local health and wellness resources. These efforts have played a critical role in ensuring the safe disposal of medications and reducing the risk of prescription drug misuse in the community.

Narcan Training and Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance abuse prevention has been at the forefront of the Be the Change agenda. Recognizing the need for life-saving interventions, Be the Change trained community members on the use of Narcan, a medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses. These training sessions have had a tangible impact, with parents sharing stories of how they were able to save their children’s lives because of the training they received​.

In addition, the initiative has partnered with local schools, involving all three schools in the region to support teacher workshops and student presentations aimed at addressing addiction and substance abuse issues.

Addressing Behavioral Health and Coordination of Care

In the Monadnock Region, behavioral health has long been identified as a pressing issue. The 2013 CHNA Implementation Plan emphasized the importance of enhancing behavioral health services and improving care coordination. The Be the Change initiative has contributed to this effort by collaborating with organizations such as Monadnock Family Services and participating in community coalitions focused on behavioral health​. By fostering a network of providers and educators, the initiative has improved communication between services and increased access to mental health resources.

Behavioral Health and Substance Use in the Monadnock Region

The Be the Change initiative has taken significant steps to address the rising need for behavioral health and substance use support in the Monadnock Region. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated underlying issues related to mental health, including increased social isolation, economic insecurity, and housing concerns. A CDC study in June 2020 found that 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, with 30.9% experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression​ [1].

Access to care and overcoming stigma remain barriers for many individuals in the Monadnock Region. Community members report long delays when setting up mental health appointments, and stakeholders have observed that the stigma around mental health is still prevalent, despite improvements in communication about self-care​.

Additionally, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) remains a concern. While opioid-related substance use has declined, methamphetamine use is now on the rise. For instance, data reveals that Greater Monadnock area teens use substances at a slightly higher rate than their peers across New Hampshire. In 2019, 25.3% of Monadnock teens reported using marijuana, and 2.8% reported using methamphetamines, a concerning statistic that requires continued community intervention [2].

Teen Mental Health and Substance Use

Youth in the Monadnock Region face unique behavioral health challenges. A 2019 survey found that over 30% of Greater Monadnock teens reported feeling sad or hopeless for two consecutive weeks, and nearly one in five teens had seriously considered suicide​. In terms of substance use, 13.6% of teens reported using prescription drugs without a prescription, and 2.8% had tried methamphetamine [2]​. These alarming statistics highlight the need for continued efforts like Be the Change to provide mental health resources and substance use prevention programs to the region’s youth.

[1] Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020
[2] Greater Monadnock Survey Results

Community Collaboration

The Be the Change initiative, founded as a Behavioral Health Task Force, stands out for its collaborative nature. Monadnock Community Hospital partnered with local agencies, including the Peterborough Police Department, local fire departments, and resource centers, to create a united front in addressing mental health and addiction challenges​. This task force brings together key community partners, schools, and parents, strengthening the support network for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Educational Initiatives and Resources

One key aspect of the task force’s mission is to raise awareness and provide education on behavioral health. Regular community education programs, peer support groups, and Narcan training sessions are vital components of this strategy. These efforts aim to empower the Monadnock community with life-saving knowledge and foster a culture of prevention and support.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

The success of Be the Change is rooted in its collaborative approach. From partnerships with local organizations to school involvement and media outreach, the initiative has engaged the entire Monadnock community. Its work aligns with MCH’s broader mission to improve the health and well-being of the region, as outlined in the 2021-2024 CHNA​.

This community-led initiative has proven that small steps, when taken together, can lead to significant change. Be the Change continues to grow, empowering residents to take an active role in creating a healthier, more connected Monadnock Region.

Be the Change Article Series:

The Great American Smokeout is for youth too

Helping a loved one who struggles with substance abuse

How to help people who smoke or vape

Narcan’s role in fighting opioids