CONCORD, NH — Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte and Commissioner Lori Weaver of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrated New Hampshire receiving over $2 million in federal grants aimed at expanding behavioral health crisis support and mental health services across the state. The grants will provide critical funding for New Hampshire’s 988 Lifeline and support mental health initiatives for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
“Strengthening our mental health system is critical to building a healthier future for all of New Hampshire,” said Governor Ayotte. “I’m pleased to see more than $2 million in federal funding come to our state so we can continue to sustain the 988 Lifeline and ensure pregnant women and new moms get the mental health care they need. I thank Commissioner Weaver and the Department of Health and Human Services for the work they did to secure these grants. We’ll continue working to protect critical mental health services and support our most vulnerable Granite Staters.”
“We are grateful for additional funding that allows us to take action in our commitment to support mental health in New Hampshire,” said Commissioner Weaver. “We are building a system where every resident can access timely, compassionate, and effective care. These grants significantly advance our goals of enhancing crisis services, preventing suicide, addressing maternal mental health needs, and building a more robust behavioral health system that serves all New Hampshire communities.”
The Strengthening New Hampshire's 988 Crisis Response System grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a 3-year, $1.2 million award that will expand and enhance New Hampshire’s 988 Lifeline. Funding will be used to support staffing at New Hampshire’s primary 988 Lifeline Center, streamline mobile crisis team deployment, and provide structured follow-up support for people at higher risk of suicide. Broader text and chat capabilities will also ensure that Granite Staters have access to fast, reliable, and compassionate support whenever they reach out for help. Over the past year, New Hampshire’s crisis centers fielded more than 54,000 calls, texts, and chats.
The Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded New Hampshire one of three Screening and Treatment for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder grants given nationwide. This two-year, $1.4 million award will boost New Hampshire’s capacity to screen, assess, and treat pregnant and postpartum women experiencing perinatal mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (SUD). The funding will provide comprehensive, statewide training for maternal healthcare providers; establish a Perinatal Psychiatry Teleconsultation Line to offer healthcare providers real-time, expert guidance; and enhance the NH Mom Hub referral database to connect pregnant and postpartum women to mental health and SUD providers equipped to serve them. Health care providers will gain timely clinical support, practical tools, and trusted resources as they care for pregnant and postpartum women. This investment is especially critical for pregnant and postpartum women, whose mental health not only impacts their own well-being, but also the long-term health outcomes of their babies.
Together, these grants provide critical momentum in strengthening the state’s crisis response capabilities and supporting New Hampshire’s broader mental health system.
Work resulting from the grants will complement and align with ongoing statewide initiatives, including the NH Rapid Response Access Point, Ten‑Year Mental Health Plan, Children’s System of Care, the DHHS 2025-2027 Roadmap and priorities within the DHHS Division of Public Health’s Maternal and Child Health State Action Plan.
