by Raaga Devineni, Task Force Coordinator

We have previously reported on the establishment and activities of the New Hampshire COVID-19 Equity Task Force and want to keep you up-to-date. The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA), in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Office of Health Equity and Division of Public Health Services, continues to co-convene The New Hampshire COVID-19 Equity Task Force. The task force is a collective of over 50 individuals and organizations across NH representing multiple sectors and communities that has come together to address issues of equity arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and response. This is intended to broaden the network of people/organizations so we may support each other more intentionally and strategically, not supersede or duplicate existing efforts, and identify any needed advocacy that some of the partner organizations may be able to pursue when we form a broader coalition.

by Lisa Bujno, NHPHA President

In May, the country recoiled in horror at the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. The tragedy brought a heightened national attention to the issue of systemic racism, spurring ongoing protests about police violence inflicted upon Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Flurries of statements were issued by organizations from every sector, including NHPHA, in support of action against racism. It seemed that we had reached a juncture where transformative progress could be made toward that vision put forth by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963. 

by Lisa Vasquez, NHPHA Communications Chair

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended so many rites of passage. One of these important transitions is back to school. A time when parents and children prepare to change routines from summer fun to school curricula. Transitioning to a new grade is hard enough when we are not in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. So what can parents do to help their children do their best and lessen their anxiety and stress during this new school year? Here are a few things that might help you have a successful remote learning experience:

by Nicole Viau, Health Promotion & Communication Specialist, City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services

During this challenging time, families may be spending more time in their homes as they continue to follow public health recommendations by practicing healthy and safe behaviors. Children in the greater Nashua region may be at higher risk for lead poisoning during the COVID-19 pandemic as over 50% of homes in our region were built before 1978, the year that lead paint was banned.

by Nicole Viau, Health Promotion & Communication Specialist, City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services

Every year, National Preparedness Month (NPM) reminds all of us that we must take action to prepare ourselves and our families for disasters that can impact our communities. This year’s overarching theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today." Throughout the month, preparedness staff in the State of New Hampshire (NH) will be engaging with community members with the goal of educating them about preparedness and how to take action to be more prepared. As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better time to be involved this September.

by JoAnne Miles-Holmes, Injury Prevention Program Manager, NH DHHS, Maternal and Child Health Section

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. After months of social distancing and isolation, people who may be a risk of suicide may feel more disconnected from their family and friends. Staying connected by social media, telephone, email, and video conferencing can help reduce feelings of isolation. Watch and listen for changes in your loved one’s mood, changes in frequency of contact, loss in interest in things they enjoy, and/or messaging about self-destructive feelings. These may be warning signs of suicidal behavior.

by Andrea Guzman, Workforce Development Coordinator

Save the Date! Team Up, Take Action Fall Forum: The Impact of COVID-19 in New Hampshire and Vermont: Forging New Partnerships to Improve Health Equity

This is the fifth year collaborating with partners from Dartmouth-Hitchcock and fourth year with the Vermont Public Health Association to present the Team Up Take Action conference to focus on health topics of critical importance to the communities of New Hampshire and Vermont. This event is a unique collaboration between health systems, community partners, and public health professionals. The 2020 Team Up, Take Action Fall Forum, The Impact of COVID-19 in New Hampshire and Vermont: Forging New Partnerships to Improve Health Equity will take place virtually during the mornings of November 10, 17, and 19 with a special focus area each day related to COVID and equity issues. Watch for more details soon!

written by Joan Ascheim, MSN, Executive Director, NHPHA; Kirsten Durzy, MPH, Evaluator, NH Division of Public Health Services; Trinidad Tellez, MD, Director, NH Office of Health Equity

We have previously reported on the establishment and activities of the New Hampshire COVID-19 Equity Task Force and want to keep you up-to-date. The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA), in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Office of Health Equity and Division of Public Health Services, continues to co-convene The New Hampshire COVID-19 Equity Task Force. The task force is a collective of over 50 individuals and organizations across NH representing multiple sectors and communities that has come together to address issues of equity arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and response. This is intended to broaden the network of people/organizations so we may support each other more intentionally and strategically, not to supersede or duplicate existing efforts, and to identify any needed advocacy that some of the partner organizations may be able to pursue when we form a broader coalition.

by Lisa Vasquez, NHPHA Communications Committee Chair

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that has grown to pandemic proportions and has impacted most of the world. The response to the pandemic can change from one area to another depending on how each area has been impacted. We have seen rises and decreases in different areas of the country at differing times. New Hampshire is no different from the rest of the country. We can see different areas having higher instances of infections than others. For example, Coos County has seen a lower number of infections in comparison to Hillsborough County. Population density seems to play a large factor in the propagation of the infection. Therefore, the response of Coos County will not be the same as Hillsborough County. Hillsborough County is the most populous county in New Hampshire with the two largest cities located within. These two cities, Nashua and Manchester, each have a local health department. The rest of the state is served by the state health department.

by Nicole Viau, Health Promotion & Communication Specialist, City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services

This August, we would like to shine the light on Jess Barnett, Program Assistant at NHPHA, for our monthly member spotlight! Jess attended Boston University and graduated in 2001. Since then, she has worked in various roles at a number of organizations, serving as a copyeditor and editor, in some instances. Jess has 16 years of experience in copyediting. Outside of her work at the NHPHA, she serves as a freelance copyeditor for publishing companies and as a freelance dissertation editor.

by Nicole Viau, Health Promotion & Communication Specialist, City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services

Spending time outdoors is great in the summer months, but we must take precautions to keep ourselves healthy and safe when the temperature rises. Although heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, more than 600 people in the United States die from extreme heat each year. Everyone is at risk in extreme heat, but individuals at highest risk include young children, people older than age 65, and people with chronic medical conditions.

by Nicole Viau, Health Promotion & Communication Specialist, City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself, your family, and your patients against serious diseases through on-time vaccination. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released in May 2020 found a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of families abiding by public health recommendations and staying at home. This caused an unfortunate result in many missed routine vaccinations.

by Andrea Guzman, Workforce Development Coordinator

2020–2021 Mentor Program

The New Hampshire Public Health Association is excited to begin recruiting mentors for the third cohort of our Mentor Program, which will begin in October 2020 and finish in May 2021. Our goal is to enhance professional paths of public health students and early career professionals in New Hampshire. Through the program, we aim to help strengthen the field of public health through recruitment, retention, and growth of strong and committed professionals.

written by Lisa Bujno, NHPHA President

Challenging times, trying times, uncertain times, unprecedented times… these words have been heard daily since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year. What do these words mean for us as public health professionals? How can we work to protect the public’s health in this new environment?

written by Andrea Guzman, Workforce Development Coordinator

The NHPHA’s own intern, Emily D’Antonio, worked with Executive Director Joan Ascheim on a food insecurity project. Emily was a Nutrition and Wellness major at the University of New Hampshire and has just graduated with the class of 2020!

written by Andrea Guzman, Workforce Development Coordinator

NHPHA Virtual Student Poster Session

As the annual meeting was cancelled this past April to keep everyone safe, we worked with students and our academic partners to move the student poster session to an online format. NHPHA is grateful to our academic partners for their help in planning this major adjustment and to the judges who volunteered to review and score the posters. We would especially like to thank the students who still submitted 21 posters from 5 schools while adapting to the many changes in their academic and personal lives.

written by Lisa Vasquez, NHPHA Communications Committee Chair

It has been a different school year for children. Many children will remember this year as they were moved from the school buildings and had to learn from home. Summer is almost here, and there is still uncertainty about what September will look like and if children will be returning to school. This summer will also look different for children. As they social distance and as restrictions ease, they might reintegrate into their social groups with some restrictions. There is so much going on in our country at this time that we have to consider our children’s mental health as the priority.

by Andrea Guzman, Workforce Development Coordinator

NHPHA began the month by hosting a successful Career Panel Webinar. This webinar was aimed at students and early career professionals thinking about a career in public health and who want to learn more about career options. Thirty-seven participants joined the webinar from New Hampshire and beyond. Our panelists included Catherine Bardier, Vice President of Wellness and Population Health at New London Hospital; Meghan Farrell, Vice President of Community Engagement at New Futures; David LaFlamme, Maternal and Child Health Epidemiologist for the State of New Hampshire; and Gwen Williams, Health and Licensing Officer for the City of Concord. They spoke with participants about their career trajectories and described a day in the life of their specific public health position. The question-and-answer segment provided participants with additional guidance on the various paths one can take in field of public health in pursuit of their ideal position. The webinar was well received and is recorded and available on our websitebhere.

by Lynne Clement, Communications Specialist, Division of Public Health Services

New Hampshire families are currently experiencing challenges such as financial instability, food insecurity, and the stress of social isolation. The NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) is offering many services online to make sure children, families, and vulnerable adults remain healthy, safe, and connected during the COVID-19 emergency.

written by Joan H. Ascheim, MSN, NHPHA Executive Director

Equity and COVID-19

I sit writing in my new “office” looking out at the pastoral view that belies the chaos and uncertainty that is COVID-19. I know I speak for the NHPHA board when I extend gratitude and endless thanks to the front-line health care providers who are fighting this battle while lacking the equipment and resources to do so safely. Further, our thanks go out to our New Hampshire public health partners at the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) and local public health as they work tirelessly to track this virus, follow contacts, face the media, and put in countless hours working to lessen the effects of this pandemic and to plan strategically to address the needs of the people in our state.