Important Notice: Continuous Medicaid Enrollment Ended March 31

On March 31, the continuous enrollment provision for Medicaid ended. The U.S. Congress voted in December to end this provision, which was put into place during the COVID-19 federal public health emergency.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been working to notify individuals who have been receiving Medicaid coverage continuously throughout the COVID-19 federal public health emergency.

If you received a “yellow notice” from NH DHHS, please follow the instructions included with the notice and complete a re-determination and/or provide the requested verification(s).

More information is available through the NH DHHS website, NH EASY or contact the district office closest to you.

Did you know that Northern Human Services has a Family Support Advisory Council (FSAC)? The Council consists of members who have a family member receiving services through Northern and is supported by our three family support coordinators; Shanon Smith; 603.447.8229 (Littleton, Whitefield, Lancaster) Stephanie Boutin; 603.447.8218 (Colebrook/Berlin) and Amanda (Mandi) Emery; 603.447.8051(Conway).

The FSAC meets on the third Monday of every month. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 17 from 6-7:30 pm and will be held virtually through Zoom. Future meeting dates include May 15 and June 19.

Join the FSAC

The Council is looking for new members/families who are interested in attending meetings; help plan events; share information; resources and lived experiences; and learn about advocacy efforts as well as potential state and federal legislation that would impact services for their family.

What Does the Family Support Advisory Council Do?

• Provide educational opportunities to families living in the towns we serve.
• Assist families in learning how to advocate for themselves in matters affecting services for individuals with a developmental disability.
• Offer regional recreational events and activities, such as bowling and movies, where families can have fun and more importantly connect with other families.
• Provide limited emergency funding that will assist the family in providing a home environment, or in improving the life of the family member with a developmental disability. These discretionary funds can be applied for through the Family Support Coordinator after all other sources have been sought.
• Keeping families informed about pending state or federal legislation that would impact the services for their family.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to one of our three family support coordinators, or Emily James (co-chair), emily_james@brewsteracademy.org.

Northern Human Services does not promote or endorse any viewpoints. NHS shares information and resources to provide families with all perspectives so they may make their own choices and decisions.

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Did you know that April was known as Autism Awareness Month but in 2021 the name was changed to Autism Acceptance Month?

It reminds people to move beyond awareness to advocate for others to facilitate real change and dialogue.

Interested in learning more? Check out these links.

• Autism Self-Advocacy Network
• Books to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
• Autism Parenting Magazine
• Celebrate the Uniqueness of Every Child During Autism Acceptance Month! (PBS)

Meet Michael Gallego. Michael and his community integrator (direct support professional) have been working together for a long time. Their days are spent helping others through volunteer work and creating crafts that they used to fundraise for a variety of organzations in and around the Littleton community.

Michael's most recent fundraiser consisted of making "rock ducks," which were then sold in the community with the monies raised donated to the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Littleton.

Over the years, Michael has completed more than a dozen fundraising projects - from building bird houses and bird feeders from donated (or collected) wood/lumber, to annual wreath-making efforts for veterans. Other organizations benefiting from their creative efforts include Meals on Wheels, Littleton and Waterford (VT) Fire Departments, and a very large fundraising effort for St. Jude.

Michael, with assistance and guidance from his Direct Support Professional, Donnell, collects trash and bottles from the nine public access points on the Connecticut River throughout the year, and uses those the bottle return funds to buy the supplies to make the crafts he then sells as part of his fundraising efforts.

His latest effort is to create miniature ducks that will be nestled in a mini treasure chest along with a message of positivity.

Thank you for allowing us to share your story, Michael!

Last month we launched our Virtual Art Gallery to showcase the artwork of individuals connected to Northern Human Services.

We are pleased to showcase recent artwork created by Sarah, 39 . New art will be showcased monthly!

Join us "virtually" as we highlight the art of individuals connected to Northern Human Services.

We will be adding new artwork every month.

If you (or someone you know) would like to submit artwork, here are our submission guidelines.

What does it mean if a bill crosses over?

A “crossover” deadline is the last day for a bill to pass out of the chamber in which it was introduced and move forward for consideration in the opposite chamber.

Crossover day is April 6, 2023 for the NH General Court.

Sign up to receive "The Advocate" to learn more about the bills we are following.

A selection of events from around the state for the developmental disability community

• April 6-June 8 Health and Well-Being Workshop: Living Well in the Community (2-4PM Thursdays; online). This 10-session class may help you choose and work on a personal goal, experience peer support, create more possibilities in your life and make improvements to your health and wellness.
• April 13, 5:30-7 PM, What’s In Your Child’s IEP, Parent Information Center.
• April 19, 6:30-8:30 PM, Planning for Your Family’s Future , New Hampshire Family Voices. View their complete online calendar for additional programs.
• April 27, 6:00 PM, Time for Transition, a family-to-family chat, Parent Information Center.
• April 30, 6:30 PM, Virtual Viewing of the documentary film, Spellers (must pre-register for virtual ticket). Limited tickets available.

News of Note

View the Special Olympics of NH “What We’ve Been Up To in 2023” video. For more information on becoming an Special Olympian, visit the SONH website.