Headrest is an organization in Lebanon, New Hampshire that provides assistance to those affected by substance use disorders, are experiencing a crisis, or in need of support, by providing effective programs and treatments. They serve New Hampshire and Vermont.
Headrest is about to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were originally founded by a group of Dartmouth College students in 1971. There were many Dartmouth students and other community members that were coming home in the 1970s in need of a place to find support for substance use disorders and mental health issues. The founders, some of whom are still involved in the organization, came up with a suicide hotline to serve those in need. Today the Suicide Hotline has evolved in to a Crisis Hotline that can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK. Those calling the hotline receive support for a variety of issues including suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, substance use disorders, mental health issues and more.
Over the years Headrest has branched out to offer services to people struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues as well as their loved ones by providing a variety of services. To learn more about these services visit https://headrest.org/ .
Headrest is offering a new opportunity this year by hosting a Virtual Luncheon series in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. Generally this time of year they host an annual Walk/Run to raise awareness and funds but due to COVID-19 they couldn’t host it this year. So they shifted gears and are holding a FREE virtual Luncheon Series with partners from across New Hampshire.
Director of Development Courtney Hoppe said that “the series is a great opportunity to highlight suicide prevention through a great community awareness event”. She added that Headrest hopes “to continue to do this every month with a different theme” because it is a “nice way to provide education and access that the general public wouldn’t normally get to”.
The Luncheon Series is open and free to the public. The sessions will take place every Tuesday at noon and are expected to last about 30 minutes. Registration is required please register at https://headrest.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/4341. A Zoom link will be included in your email confirmation. The following are the topics for the upcoming Luncheon Series:
- Tuesday, September 15th: Russell Conte, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator for the New Hampshire State Police – has been working on bringing a Crisis Intervention Team Program to NH’s Law Enforcement Community and will be sharing an update
- Tuesday, September 22nd: Penny King, Suicide Loss Survivor – sharing her story
- Tuesday, September 29th: Susan Morrison, NH Department of Health and Human Services, Member of the NH Suicide Prevention Council, and Suicide Loss Survivor – sharing her story
We hope you can tune in!
