More than 1,000 people in the Monadnock region have been trained to use NARCAN since 2015, via the Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center and the Greater Monadnock Public Health Network. This training teaches participants how to recognize an opiate/opioid overdose, call 911 for additional assistance, properly administer NARCAN , and support someone struggling with substance misuse/addiction to seek recovery. This training provides examples and opportunities for discussion around the challenges inherent in substance use disorders, and works to breakdown the stigma associated with the disease. This training is free to anyone who is interested, and each participant is given a NARCAN kit to take with them—because we know using NARCAN to save a life provides someone a chance at recovery.

What does it mean to be a Trauma Informed Community? Understanding the impact of trauma on community members’ lives and how that trauma plays out in their everyday existence is key for developing community-wide improvement goals. The Monadnock region is committed to becoming a trauma informed community which means we are committed to understanding, and helping others understand, how personal adversity affects a community’s well-being. This is a comprehensive commitment that will evolve from education and awareness, to projects and programs, to policy and system changes.

The Pyramid Model helps ensure that all children experience supportive learning environments that promote positive social emotional growth and development. The approach offers tools to help educators identify and support infants and young children if persistent, challenging behavior occurs. The Pyramid Model framework focuses on: prevention of challenging behaviors. Creation of high-quality learning environments. Designing collaborative systems to support caregivers, teachers and children. Since joining the Healthy Monadnock Alliance and working in partnership with other member organizations, Impact Monadnock has advanced social and emotional well-being for youth by implementing the Pyramid Model in the Monadnock region.