Substance Use Disorders Portfolio
Preventing drug and alcohol addiction
The Foundation has made a long-term commitment to reduce substance use among New Hampshire youth.
New Hampshire’s drug and alcohol problem is not new.
But its increased lethality has focused public attention on the crisis.
- In 2016, 485 people died from drug overdoses in New Hampshire.
- New Hampshire’s young people have among the highest rates of substance use in the country.
- New Hampshire ranks third in the U.S. in drug deaths per capita.
- Substance use costs New Hampshire $2 billion annually in lost worker productivity and earnings, healthcare costs, public safety and criminal justice expenses.
- More than 100,000 people are in need of treatment for the disease of addiction in New Hampshire. Only between four and six percent get that treatment.
These are big problems.
The Foundation is working on big solutions. Through our Substance Use Disorders Portfolio – made possible by the generosity and vision of Foundation donors – we’re working with a comprehensive network of partners to implement proven prevention strategies, expand access to treatment and support recovery. More than $42 million has been granted from this portfolio since 1996.
We are committed to changing the curve on youth substance use – by creating and supporting systems to drive change. As part of its New Hampshire Tomorrow agenda, the Foundation has made a multiyear, multimillion dollar commitment to reducing substance use among New Hampshire youth.
What we’re doing
- Participating in a statewide comprehensive public-private initiative to tackle the chronic problem of addiction.
- Investing in public policy and advocacy, including the work of New Futures (which was launched by the Foundation in 1997) to reduce and prevent alcohol and drug use; and in work that expanded health insurance coverage for treatment.
- Preventing youth substance use by supporting New Hampshire’s system of Regional Public Health Networks and by funding proven programs, like Life of an Athlete, Youth Leadership Through Adventure, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire and Media Power Youth.
- Securing grant funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and partnering with medical practices to implement the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, a proven screening and intervention protocol, as part of primary health care.
- Investing in the Center for Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drug Services to provide communities, practitioners, policymakers and others with best practices, education, and technical assistance.
- Funding treatment centers so they are prepared to care for more patients under the Affordable Care Act.
Funding opportunities
Our current grantmaking strategy is linked to the initiatives listed above and is by invitation only. For more information, please contact Traci Fowler, senior program officer, at genpv.sbjyre@aups.bet or 603-225-6641 ext. 243.
Stories and Updates
New data point to behavioral health challenges among young people
Traci Fowler, Foundation director of behavioral health, on New Hampshire’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data show behavioral health challenges among New Hampshire’s children and adolescents are real, and they are widespread. But importantly, they are also treatable, and oftentimes preventable. Prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover.
Reason to hope
Traci Fowler, the Charitable Foundation’s director of behavioral health, on the current substance use crisis, why an integrated approach to addressing mental health and substance use makes sense, and promising practices that offer reason for hope.
Why the Youth Risk Behavior Survey matters for young people’s health
Charitable Foundation opposes bill that would undermine the availability of reliable and valid data that is critical to helping keep New Hampshire’s young people healthy.
You can help
We are committed to changing the curve on youth substance use.
Working together, we can make a difference. With your help, we can save lives.
We're here to help
To learn more about our work to combat substance use disorders, contact:
- Traci Fowler
- Director of Behavioral Health
603-225-6641 ext 243
Email Traci