Focusing on your family’s mental health can be a struggle when basic necessities are uncertain. Families across the Granite State are increasingly challenged to secure family needs such as housing, food, heating, and other essential needs. Thankfully, organizations in every corner of the state are working to support NH families.

Keeping track of your family’s healthcare needs can be immensely challenging – especially amidst ongoing changes in programs and services at both the state and federal level. With talk of funding cuts, policy changes, and program eliminations all over the news and filling our feeds, it may feel impossible to keep track of everything that is happening and how it may affect your family and the services you rely on. 



Both the 2026-2027 NH State Budget and the recently passed federal reconciliation bill (H.R.1) make significant changes to healthcare access and affordability for families, to be implemented over the new few years. These changes include work reporting requirements and increased cost-sharing for most enrollees on Medicaid Expansion plans, restrictions on family planning services, the end of ACA premium tax credits, and more. On top of these changes, the ongoing government shutdown is impacting access to federal assistance programs such as SNAP, and may have additional impacts as the shutdown continues.  

The Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest is back and brighter than ever! This inspiring New Hampshire-based initiative invites youth to use art as a powerful tool to share their mental health journeys, raise awareness, and help break down stigma. Submissions open in January, and in May, we’ll gather to celebrate these incredible works—each one a testament to courage, creativity, and connection. It’s a moving experience you won’t want to miss!



We Need You! We’re currently seeking volunteers (ages 18 and up) to join our planning committee or serve as judges for the art submissions. If you’re passionate about youth empowerment, mental health, or the arts, this is a meaningful way to get involved and make a difference. Let’s magnify these voices—together! Please reach out to Deb Jurkoic at djurkoic@naminh.org.

The holiday season is stressful in different ways for so many of us. Young people are not immune to this overscheduled, overwhelming time of year. From high school students to those in their mid-twenties, we all feel the pressure with too much to do and not enough time to do it. Combine this with family we don’t always see, ever-present academics and future looking pressures (think finals, college decisions, graduate school questions, and entering the job field) – it’s a recipe for additional holiday stress. Here are some strategies to positively keep you and your young adults talking and building resilience during this time of year.

November:

National Veterans and Military Families Month

NH Suicide Prevention Conference (11/13)

Trans Day of Remembrance

December:

National Grief Awareness Week (12/2 - 12/7)

Learn how Friends of Aine provides bereavement support services and resources to NH children and families who have suffered the death of a loved one