Despite Regulations on Flavored Vape Products, Newer Flavored Products Enticing Teens. Stay on Top of What’s Trending
Recently, on a segment for NH Public Radio (2-17-2020) titled: ‘Teens are Still Vaping Flavors, Thanks to New Disposable Vape Pens’, it was discussed how students have quickly replaced banned flavored e-juices to new disposable products. Keep up to date with the latest products and how to talk about their dangers with your students. The segment discussed how to bring up the subject with them and where to get help for young people to quit. To listen or read the segment in its entirety, go to:
https://www.nhpr.org/post/teens-are-still-vaping-flavors-thanks-new-disposable-vape-pens
Local Students Participate in Dartmouth Hitchcock Project ECHO
Local students from Manchester and Bedford high schools participated in Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Project ECHO third of ten learning sessions. Project ECHO is a tele-mentoring model. Virtual technology is used to support case-based learning and provide education. The participants are from NH and Vermont and are high school counselors, nurses, administrators and teachers and students. Participants learn from experts and each other. This session’s topic was depression. Students listened to Dr. Julie Balaban, the subject matter expert, discuss what depression looked like and incidents across age groups and genders. Participants on the video conference were then given time to ask questions of Dr. Balaban. The next part of this session was based on case studies or questions from two pre-determined participants. Our students chimed in to offer their comments and suggestions from a students perspective. These students could offer valuable insight as subject matter experts in their own right. Students trained in suicide prevention were able to identify risk factors and highlight warning signs. Students not trained-yet, were eager to understand signs and symptoms of depression and when to report. This ‘all teach- all learn’ approach is a valuable and empowering experience for our youth.
The next sessions and topics will be:
March 3rd Self-Harm/Suicide
March 17th Anxiety
March 31st School Avoidance
April 7th Substance Abuse
May 5th Vaping
May 19th Student Wellness
June 2nd Peer-2-Peer Support
My Life, My Quit a Free and Confidential Tobacco, E-Cigarette and Vaping Cessation Helpline for Teens. For Help Go to MylifeMyQuit.com or Call or Text 1-855-891-9989
The electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) epidemic is reaching new heights and introducing a second wave of tobacco addiction.
The rapid increase in adolescent use of ENDS over the past decade has leveraged public health concern in promoting the health risks and concerns associated with the behavior in youth culture.
The NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services Tobacco prevention and Cessation Program offers confidential tobacco treatment Services to NH residents who want to quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes, vapes and or liquid nicotine through the programs QuitNow-NH and My Life, My Quit.
NH has a tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vapes) quit line just for teens!
My Life, My Quit offers teens access to specially trained “quit coaches” that will help them build a quit plan, identify triggers, practice refusal skills and obtain ongoing support for changing behavior in order to be free from nicotine. Teens can enroll for this free, confidential help by going to MyLifeMyQuit.com or by calling or texting 1-855-891-9989.
Makin’ It Happen (MIH) is proud to share this publication from the National League of Cities, “Leveraging Trust in Local Institutions to Link Individuals to Treatment.”
MIH in collaboration with agencies and municipalities throughout the region facilitated Safe Station and SUD Collaborative committees to community problem solve around the issues of addiction, homelessness, and mental illness. As often times these are interrelated, it is impossible for any one group or agency to address the needs of this population alone. MIH took an active role in facilitating these groups to come together and leverage their strengths as a whole to better serve the needs of our communities. The National League of Cities worked with a subgroup of the aforementioned committees to produce this article.
Deadline is Approaching for Individual Insurance Plan Open Enrollment Sign-ups
CONCORD, NH – New Hampshire residents should be aware that the deadline to enroll in individual health insurance for 2020 is this Sunday, December 15. After this date, the only way people can enroll in an individual insurance plan is if they qualify for a special enrollment period, typically during the 60 days following certain qualifying life events. Enrollees must pay the first monthly premium by the insurance company’s due date before 2020 coverage can take effect on January 1.
“Now is the time for New Hampshire residents who need individual coverage to enroll in a health plan for next year,” said Insurance Commissioner John Elias. “Only if someone has a qualifying life event such as getting married or having a baby can they change their plan during the year. If consumers still have questions about what plan is best for their needs, they should reach out to an insurance agent or an enrollment assister for help understanding their options.”
New Hampshire residents should be aware that there are only three companies selling qualified health plans: Anthem, Ambetter, and Harvard Pilgrim. Plans that are sold by a company other than these may not be approved to be sold in New Hampshire and may not include the same consumer protections and benefits as an ACA-compliant plan. If someone is unsure about the insurance company or agent they are dealing with, they should STOP before signing any paperwork or writing a check; and CALL the NH Insurance Department at 1-800-852- 3416; to CONFIRM the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed in the state.
“New Hampshire insurance companies are offering lower average premium rates for the second year in a row,” stated Governor Chris Sununu. “This is a stark contrast to previous year’s premium increases and is due to our commitment to working with the insurance companies to decrease premiums and deliver real savings for the people of our state. This will expand opportunities for Granite Staters to get coverage. Everyone who is purchasing a health insurance plan for 2020 should shop around, just as they would for any other big purchase, even if they like the plan they have now. There may be another plan out there that’s more affordable or that has a better network of health care providers.”
Even if a consumer likes their 2019 plan, they should still update their application on HealthCare.gov and shop and compare options for 2020. The only way to receive an accurate financial assistance amount for 2020 is to update and submit an application on the website. If consumers who purchase coverage through HealthCare.gov do not take any action they will be automatically enrolled into a plan by HealthCare.gov that is considered “similar” to their current plan; but that plan may not have a similar premium, and their doctors and prescription drugs may not be in network.
If a consumer needs assistance to select a plan during the open enrollment period, the Insurance Department recommends that they contact an insurance agent or an enrollment assister. Residents can receive assistance from of in-person assisters at no additional cost during the open enrollment period. Consumers may visit the Find Local Help tool on HealthCare.gov to find a local agent or enrollment assister by zip code or they can contact NH Navigator by calling 1-877-211-NAVI.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department can help you with questions or concerns about your existing coverage. To speak to a member of the Consumer Services Department, call (800) 852-3416, (603) 271- 2261 or email consumerservices@ins.nh.gov.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.nh.gov/insurance.
Project Echo-A Web Based Program to Strengthen School Staff Response to the Mental Health Needs of Students
Register to take part in this virtual learning experience. Online classes run from January to June, every other Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. For more information go to https://go.d-h.org/project-echo
Facebook- Live Family Discussion on Vaping Nov. 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Join Dartmouth Hitchcock on November 21st at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion about vaping in NH- Get the facts from a reputable source.
2019 NH YOUNG ADULT SURVEY IS READY! ARE YOU 18-30 YEARS OF AGE AND LIVING IN NH? PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING THIS SURVEY-WHO KNOWS, YOU MAY WIN A PRIZE!
NH YOUNG ADULTS:
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
The Center for Excellence is excited to announce the launching of the 2019 New Hampshire Young Adult Survey!
We want to hear from New Hampshire residents between the ages of 18 and 30. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and all respondents are eligible to submit and entry into a lottery for one of twelve $50 cash prize and two $250 grand prizes.
Here is the link to the survey:https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5273032/2019-NH-Young-Adult-Assessment
The purpose of the survey is to understand the behaviors and perceptions of young adults living in New Hampshire relative to a specific health issue in the state, including the use of alcohol, prescription medication, and other drugs. The information collected will be used to help decision-makers in the state to develop and support health, wellness and substance misuse prevention programs for youth and young adults. The survey is:
1. Completely anonymous and does not record any personally identifying information to encourage truthful responses. The information from the survey will be released in summary form only.
2. Voluntary. A respondent may choose to skip any question and no longer participate at any time. Other than their age and current zip code, they may skip any questions they are not comfortable answering.
3. Being conducted by the Center for Excellence staffed by the Community Health Institute/JSI, which is a non-profit organization contracted by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. No one from the Department of Health and Human Services will have access to individual responses.
At the end of the survey respondents will be able to enter a weekly drawing for one of two $50 cash prizes (in the form of a Visa gift card or an electronic gift card that will be sent to the email provided). All those who enter the weekly drawing will have a chance to win a $250 grand prize.
Cash Prize Rules:
• Your contact information for the drawing will be saved in a separate location and can never be linked to your survey data.
• You may only enter the drawing once; duplicate entries will be discarded.
• Proof of age and New Hampshire residence may be required to receive a prize.
• Partially completed surveys may be disqualified from the raffle drawings.
Greater Manchester has Successful DEA Take Back for Fall of 2019
Greater Manchester Region, which includes the towns of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Deerfied, Goffstown, Hooksett, Manchester and New Boston, collected 63 boxes of drugs at the DEA Take Back Day on October 26th; at total of 1825.90 pounds! We want to thank the collaborative effort of the DEA, all the police departments, Crispin’s House, Empower Youth students and all who brought their unused, unwanted prescriptions to all the sites. Keeping your homes free of these prescriptions is a step to keeping these pills out of others hands and creating a safer environment for your family. Greater Manchester Region is fortunate to have eight permanent drop sites for you to continually clean your cabinets. You can find these locations on our website or the DEA website to find one closest to you. If you are unable to get to one on these sites, contact Makin’ it Happen where we can assist you with obtaining in-home Deterra bags for environmentally safe disposal.
The U.S. Surgeon General Answers Some Common Questions About Marijuana
Listen to his podcast called ‘the Doctor is In’. Stay informed and get the facts from reliable sources.
https://youtu.be/OYZvUDbzUk8