Mental Health Task Force

Currently Meeting: First Thursday of each month, 6-7 PM via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85961824923?pwd=WkZkVXVIbVJOVjhEa0tNWUZBMG9wUT09

The Mental Health Task Force works to improve how mental health care services and the Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) systems work together in New Hampshire. The goal is also to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people who have both an intellectual or developmental disability and a mental health condition.

The BDS system includes many parts, like area agencies that provide services for people with disabilities and vendors who directly offer these services. However, there is often a lack of connection and coordination within these parts, which makes it harder for people to get the right support. By educating and coordinating with these agencies and vendors, the task force aims to create better, more unified care.

Task Force Charter

  1. Defining and raising awareness about gaps in coordination of care across the BDS and mental healthcare systems
  2. Decreasing redundancy and increasing efficiency 
  3. Increasing referrals to mental healthcare providers for individuals in need, and ensuring that necessary referrals are executed 
  4. Developing a cohesive approach to mental healthcare for individuals with IDD/MH
  5. Increasing communication/standardizing processes between the BDS and MH systems
  6. Educating Direct Service Professionals about mental health issues and the clients with IDD that they may serve

Everything to Somebody

ABLE NH’s Mental Health Task Force recently showed a short film called Everything to Somebody. This was done in partnership with Julie Lago from Connections All the Way and was created by the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council. Hosted by Emmanuel Jenkins, The film shared important stories of people facing mental health challenges in Delaware. It showed their struggles and successes, giving hope and showing how strong people can be. This film helps people understand what living with mental health challenges can really be like in our community.

Having conversations between different agencies and organizations is very important. When groups work together and share their ideas and experiences, they can better support people in need. Open communication helps find new solutions, build stronger support systems, and make sure that everyone is on the same page when working to improve mental health resources and advocacy. Working together makes the community stronger and better at meeting the needs of everyone.

We look forward to continuing our work and this important discussion