NH DHHS Releases Roadmap 2024-2025

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is pleased to announce the release of the DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025. Building on the success of the DHHS Roadmap 2023, the updated Roadmap was informed by extensive input from community partners and DHHS program areas. Roadmap 2024-2025 identifies initiatives and goals that will serve as a guide for the Department to advance key priorities over the next fiscal year and beyond.  

“As we work to support and promote the health and well-being of all New Hampshire residents, it is critical for us to be able to state, share, and track the progress of our priorities and goals,” said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. “This plan is the culmination of months of work with our partners and the people we serve to create a bold plan of action that will set us on the course to enhance key systems and policies to improve the health of our state.”  

“This stakeholder-informed Roadmap puts DHHS in the driver’s seat to make New Hampshire even better,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “We will continue to find efficiencies in the system – streamlining our priorities, putting our citizens first, and delivering results. A win for everyone!”

Work will center around three major commitments: Invest in People and Culture, Promote Thriving Communities, and Improve Customer Service. The Department will fulfill these commitments through 15 initiatives and 43 goals designed to benefit all New Hampshire communities.

Plan initiatives include:

• Achieving Mission Zero, the Department’s plan to end emergency department psychiatric boarding
• Reducing health impacts from harmful exposures to such hazards as lead and PFAS
• Strengthening school-based services for children enrolled in Medicaid
• Increasing access to residential behavioral health services for children
• Building a System of Care for Healthy Aging

Messages from stakeholders about the DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025: 

“I salute Commissioner Weaver and her staff at the Department of Health and Human Services for creating this Roadmap. DHHS has implemented many initiatives designed to enhance mental health and substance abuse services, develop new child protections, provide services for families with disabled children and for elderly residents. DHHS has implemented these initiatives in a cost effective and customer orientated manner.”
– NH Senator Jeb Bradley

“The NH DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025 aligns with the goals of New Hampshire State Health Improvement Plan and supports the collective action of partners across sectors. Focusing efforts on priority areas like improving health outcomes for mothers and infants, mitigating the impact of environmental threats, building a system of healthy aging, and improving access to behavioral health and developmental disability services will advance the health and wellness of everyone living in New Hampshire.”
– Rep. David Nagel, MD, Acting Chair of the State Health Assessment and Improvement Advisory Council

“The New Hampshire State Commission on Aging is thrilled with the Department’s commitment to priorities that matter to Granite Staters. It is vital to ensure that as we age, living longer more productive lives, needed services are available and accessible across New Hampshire. The prioritized goals once realized will support all of us so that we and our family members can not only age well but thrive in our later years.”
– Rebecca Sky, Executive Director, NH State Commission on Aging

"Investing in prevention strategies is one of the best ways to support our communities. Waypoint is excited to continue partnering with DHHS on these critical strategies detailed in their Roadmap 2024-2025."
– Borja Alvarez de Toledo, President and CEO, Waypoint

“DHHS’ Roadmap 2024-2025 offers a detailed framework for the Department as it looks to improve the health and well-being of all Granite Staters over the coming year. From overcoming the emergency boarding crisis facing New Hampshire’s children to building up the System of Care for Healthy Aging, this plan mirrors many of New Futures’ key priorities and establishes important guideposts to support the health of our state. If DHHS is able to achieve these goals, it will meaningfully improve the lives of all New Hampshire residents, especially our most vulnerable friends and loved ones.”
– Michele D. Merritt, President, New Futures

“NAMI New Hampshire is heartened by the robust focus on mental health in the NH DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025. We look forward to a continued partnership in advancing Mission Zero and supporting the mental health of all Granite Staters.”
– Susan Stearns, Executive Director, NAMI NH 

"Since nonprofits are prime partners implementing programs in service of New Hampshire communities, we are pleased to see that the updated Roadmap includes a commitment to improve customer service. The Roadmap's goals of improving the contracting process, including timely compensation and new alternative payment models are all critical to sustaining an effective nonprofit provider community."
– Kathleen Reardon, CEO, NH Center for Nonprofits 

“The Foundation for Healthy Communities proudly endorses the DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025, which aims to enhance our health systems and communities' capacity in managing mental well-being. Our collaboration with hospitals, health systems, and providers facilitates the integration of crucial mental health services, ensuring comprehensive care for all individuals.”
– Peter Ames, Executive Director, Foundation for Healthy Communities

"The Department's Roadmap 2024-2025 is quite comprehensive and represents a thoughtfully developed plan to pursue the best outcomes possible for New Hampshire's citizens. North American Family Institute appreciates this well laid out plan and looks forward to working in partnership with the Department to help advance these important strategic priorities."
– Paul L. Dann, President and CEO, North American Family Institute