Posts by Susan Geier for Granite State News Collaborative
Care providers around the state are worried about the ongoing substance abuse and misuse crisis combined with what will likely be long-term fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
NH Center for Nonprofits Executive Director Kathleen Reardon said the center conducted a survey the week of March 23 about the impact Covid-19 was having on nonprofits. Of the more than 300 respondents, 85 percent said they were already experiencing or anticipate experiencing financial hardships. In addition, 50 percent of nonprofits reported an increase in staff and/or volunteer absences and 67 percent have had to cancel or reduce services.
Homeless advocates and officials have struggled in recent weeks to develop a solution for how to house and keep socially-distanced the state’s homeless population.
Around the state, fire departments are keeping a close eye on the health of their employees and on their stock personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
Across the state, substance abuse treatment providers are grateful for federal money the state received to address the opioid crisis but have made it clear it’s not the only issue they are treating.
“That’s where the big hang-up is. It’s hard to find programs that have openings,” she said. “There’s not a lot of funding for brick and mortar – this (SOR grant) is short-term funding. “