MANCHESTER, NH – The ribbon is cut and bed linens are in place at the new 36-bed Granite Pathways adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center on River Road.
It’s a few weeks away from being ready to serve as a haven for kids struggling with addiction.
The center will provide voluntary treatment options for young people ages 12-18 in need of in-patient treatment for substance abuse, the first of its kind in New Hampshire. Governor Chris Sununu said the center is a “major milestone” in addressing a piece of the puzzle that has been missing from treatment options here, helping New Hampshire’s youngest citizens get the services they need in an appropriate setting.
“I made a commitment to the people of New Hampshire to put the health and well-being of our children first,” Sununu said during the Oct. 30 ceremony and tour of the center. “That is why last year my budget included the requisite funds to build an inpatient youth treatment center, the only one of its kind in New Hampshire, to ensure that New Hampshire’s children can receive the specialized care they need. Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone for our state, offering comprehensive treatment services to help youth suffering with substance misuse being the road to recovery and self-sufficiency.”
DHHS and Granite Pathways had two well-attended open house events at the youth SUD facility last week. More than 100 neighbors, community officials and treatment providers toured the center, met Granite Pathways staff, and learned more about the programming that will soon be available.
The living quarters are all in the same wing, with adjoining offices, sitting rooms and a place to practice yoga.
“We were pleased with the turnout at the open houses and people’s interest in learning about the important and innovative services that will be available at the new SUD treatment facility,” DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey Meyers said. “A tremendous amount of work went into building the new treatment facility. The ribbon cutting ceremony is a culmination of that effort, as well as the start of a program that will provide an in-state location where young people can access the treatment they need.”
Granite Pathways will operate the new 36-bed residential SUD treatment facility, with evidence-based clinical programs and comprehensive services designed to support adolescents in their recovery. The program will be trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, youth-guided, and family-centered, emphasizing individual empowerment and engagement to help prepare young people continue their recovery in their communities.
“The opioid crisis in New Hampshire reaches across the State, families and generations,” said Craig Stenning, Granite Pathways Senior VP of the New England area. “We have a fantastic opportunity to help young people and their families by providing services close to their homes and communities.”
The 36-bed facility is expected to receive its first clients in mid-November.
Granite Pathways, established in 2009, is part of The Fedcap Group. It was founded as a “clubhouse” model of recovery options for adults with mental illness, and has expanded to include centers in Manchester and Portsmouth. As part of the state’s recently-announced “hub and spoke” service delivery model, Granite Pathways will provide Regional Access Point Services in 11 regions of the state including North Country, Central New Hampshire, Carroll County, Upper Valley, Winnipesaukee, Greater Sullivan, Greater Nashua, Capital Area, Strafford, Seacoast, and South Central New Hampshire.
