WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 39096 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-09-23 10:02:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-09-23 14:02:37 [post_content] => [post_title] => Community Spotlight: Breaking Mental Health Stigma in the Monadnock Region with Be the Change [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => breaking-mental-health-stigma-monadnock-region-2024 [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://vimeo.com/898176140 [post_modified] => 2025-04-07 09:28:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-07 13:28:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/end-68-hours-hunger-2024-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

One of the most impactful partnerships has been the integration of the Be the Change initiative with the Healthy Monadnock Alliance, a regional effort to improve population health. Together, they have forged a truly regional collaboration that brings together schools, law enforcement agencies, and health organizations to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. This comprehensive network allows Be the Change to address mental health challenges, recognizing the complex interplay between substance use disorder, economic factors, and personal trauma. ) [_page_sections_4_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c5dfc5cca ) [page_sections_4_width] => Array ( [0] => normal ) [_page_sections_4_width] => Array ( [0] => field_5af99fbbc9de1 ) [page_sections_5_section_title] => Array ( [0] => Tangible Impact and Real Stories ) [_page_sections_5_section_title] => Array ( [0] => field_5ada5134d3021 ) [page_sections_5_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] =>

The work of Be the Change has yielded tangible results, with real-life stories highlighting its impact. One particularly moving example involves a parent who, after attending a Narcan training session hosted by the task force, was able to save their child from an overdose. Such stories vividly illustrate the life-saving potential of education and resource accessibility. The initiative's efforts to distribute a comprehensive Resource Guide in partnership with the Ledger Transcript has further expanded access to vital information and support services. ) [_page_sections_5_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c5dfc5cca ) [page_sections_5_width] => Array ( [0] => normal ) [_page_sections_5_width] => Array ( [0] => field_5af99fbbc9de1 ) [page_sections_6_section_title] => Array ( [0] => Ongoing Challenges and Future Focus ) [_page_sections_6_section_title] => Array ( [0] => field_5ada5134d3021 ) [page_sections_6_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => Despite significant progress, challenges persist. The prevalence of substance use among teens and the ongoing struggle against mental health stigma indicate that there is still work to be done. Be the Change remains committed to addressing these issues through continued education, outreach, and community engagement. According to a CDC study in 2020, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, with 30.9% experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms. These national trends underscore the importance of local initiatives like Be the Change. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture of the mental health landscape in the Monadnock region:

Over 30% of local teens reported feeling sad or hopeless for two consecutive weeks in 2019 and 2020
Nearly 20% of teens had seriously considered suicide
25.3% of area teens reported using marijuana in 2019 and 2020
2.8% had used methamphetamines

These figures, derived from the CHNA 2021, underscore the urgent need for initiatives like Be the Change, which aim to normalize conversations about mental health and provide clear pathways to care.

) [_page_sections_6_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c5dfc5cca ) [page_sections_6_width] => Array ( [0] => normal ) [_page_sections_6_width] => Array ( [0] => field_5af99fbbc9de1 ) [page_sections_7_section_title] => Array ( [0] => A Community United for Change ) [_page_sections_7_section_title] => Array ( [0] => field_5ada5134d3021 ) [page_sections_7_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => By fostering open dialogue, providing crucial resources, and promoting a culture of understanding, Be the Change continues to pave the way for a healthier, more supportive Monadnock region. As the initiative continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in addressing complex social challenges. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of the Monadnock region. ) [_page_sections_7_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c5dfc5cca ) [page_sections_7_width] => Array ( [0] => normal ) [_page_sections_7_width] => Array ( [0] => field_5af99fbbc9de1 ) [page_sections_8_section_title] => Array ( [0] => How You Can Make a Difference ) [_page_sections_8_section_title] => Array ( [0] => field_5ada5134d3021 ) [page_sections_8_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => The success of Be the Change hinges on community involvement. Here's how you can contribute to breaking mental health stigma in the Monadnock region:

Educate yourself about mental health and substance use disorders
Attend Be the Change events and training sessions
Share resources and information within your social networks
Volunteer with partner organizations
Advocate for mental health support in your workplace or school

For more information on how to get involved or learn about upcoming events, visit the Be the Change Facebook page or contact John Letendre, Continuum of Care Facilitator at Cheshire Medical Center, at (603) 354-5454 x2378. ) [_page_sections_8_wysiwyg] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c5dfc5cca ) [page_sections_8_width] => Array ( [0] => normal ) [_page_sections_8_width] => Array ( [0] => field_5af99fbbc9de1 ) [page_sections_9_section_title] => Array ( [0] => ) [_page_sections_9_section_title] => Array ( [0] => field_5a79c51c87bb0 ) [page_sections_9_section_text] => Array ( [0] => ) [_page_sections_9_section_text] => Array ( [0] => field_5ad4c99e98b3b ) [page_sections_9_posts_selection] => Array ( [0] => auto_taxonomy_terms ) [_page_sections_9_posts_selection] => Array ( [0] => field_5e99c1d934e7f ) [page_sections_9_post_type] => Array ( [0] => post ) [_page_sections_9_post_type] => Array ( [0] => field_5e99c7a534e80 ) [page_sections_9_taxonomy] => Array ( [0] => tag ) [_page_sections_9_taxonomy] => Array ( [0] => field_5e99c7e134e82 ) [page_sections_9_terms] => Array ( [0] => community benefit, community, volunteer ) [_page_sections_9_terms] => Array ( [0] => field_5e99c82334e83 ) [page_sections_9_posts_limit] => Array ( [0] => 30 ) [_page_sections_9_posts_limit] => Array ( [0] => field_5e99c85934e84 ) )