LEBANON – The coronavirus pandemic has up-ended our daily lives and many young people are experiencing intense stress and anxiety as a result. On Aug. 6, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health will present “Community Conversation: Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health in Young People Amid COVID-19,” a virtual forum featuring several experts in education, mental health counseling and law enforcement who will address challenges young people are experiencing due to the pandemic. Presented in partnership with Bishop Guertin High School and The Reconnection Project, the forum will take place on Bishop Guertin’s YouTube channel from 7-8:30 p.m.

The forum was inspired by R.E.A.C.T, D-HH’s mental health awareness campaign led by Senior Director of External Affairs and former New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick, who has spoken to more than 100,000 students throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont about the steps people can take when they recognize that they or someone they care about is experiencing mental health challenges. The forum will feature a panel of speakers and presenters with backgrounds in mental health counseling, education, coaching, and law enforcement who work with young people. The experts will discuss the unusual pressure, stress, and anxiety young people are dealing with as a result of the pandemic, and ways in which parents, educators, and other adults can provide support and guidance during these challenging times.

“Community Conversation: Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health in Young People Amid COVID-19” will be moderated by Jason Strniste, Principal, Bishop Guertin High School, and include the following expert speakers and panelists:

• John Broderick, Senior Director of External Affairs, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.

• Jeff Levin, Life Coach, Co-founder of The Reconnection Project.

• Ken Norton, Executive Director, NAMI (National Association on Mental Illness) New Hampshire

• Mike Carignan, Chief, Nashua PD.

• Ryan Day, Manchester, NH-native and Head Football Coach, The Ohio State University.

• John Vaccarezza, Principal, Manchester Central High School.

• Kelly Untiet, Administrator, New Hampshire Department of Education, Office of Social and Emotional Wellness.

• Kelley Howard, school psychologist, Nashua South High School.

• Sudi Lett, teacher and coach, Manchester Central High School.

• Laura Landerman-Garber, Ph.D., clinical psychologist.

• John Goldhardt, Ed. D., Superintendent, Manchester (NH) School District.

• Mary Beth Banios, Superintendent, Hamilton-Wenham (MA) Regional School District.

Newsletter