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A typical New Hampshire child care worker earned roughly $32,500 in 2023 while the federal poverty guideline for a family of four last year was $30,000, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

A persistent child care worker shortage across New Hampshire is leaving families with few options. The state is currently short more than 7,000 …

An estimated 58,000 family caregivers bear some of the burden of Alzheimer's disease in New Hampshire, providing roughly 84 million hours of unpaid care, according to the Alzheimer's Association of New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH healthcare worker shortage leaves Alzheimer’s patients few options

A health care workforce shortage in New Hampshire is leaving Alzheimer's patients and their families with few options for treatment. Patients facing …

Southern New Hampshire University provided students with emergency grants during the pandemic ranging from $300-$2,000 to cover various basic needs, including health care, mental health services, housing, food and child care. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Pandemic-era aid helped cover students’ basic needs, kept them enrolled

College students receiving extra aid to help pay for food, housing or transportation are more likely to stay in school, according to new research…

There have been more than 400 overdose deaths each year in New Hampshire for the past eight years, leading many grandparents to take on the role of full-time caregiver to their grandchildren. The majority of the deaths involved fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Opioid crisis prompts NH grandparents to 'step up' for their families

As the opioid crisis continues, more New Hampshire grandparents are seeking financial help to raise their grandchildren. Already struggling with the …

In PragerU's 2023 biennial report, the company states that young people are being indoctrinated by

Right-leaning PragerU takes root in NH public schools

Educators in New Hampshire say the state's approval of a financial literacy course by conservative nonprofit PragerU spells trouble for public schools…

Studies show elder abuse or neglect can lead to early death, cause harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, and lead to devastating financial loss. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH Increases Elder Abuse Prevention Efforts as Older Population Grows

New Hampshire officials in charge of investigating elder abuse are ramping up staff and education efforts to better protect the state's growing elderl…

A new report ranks New Hampshire 4th nationwide in economic well-being but child advocates say the ranking doesn't consider that the state's cost of living is 20% above the national average, putting even more children and families at risk of living in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Available Child Care Impacts NH Economy, Families

New Hampshire ranks first in the nation on measures of child well-being, according to a new report. The 2023 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

At least 124 bills have been introduced nationwide this year targeting LGBTQ rights in schools and educational settings, freedom of speech and expression, and access to medically necessary health care for transgender people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. (Adobe Stock)

Educators: NH 'Parental Bill of Rights' Endangers Students, Penalizes Teachers

Educators in New Hampshire say a proposed "parental bill of rights" before lawmakers discriminates against LGBTQ students. The legislation requires …

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies rally at the Capitol in Concord in opposition to a slate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, which they say aim to criminalize members of their community.(603 Equality)

Community Members Rally Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in NH

LGBTQ+ advocates rallied at the New Hampshire Statehouse this week in protest of a slate of bills which they say aim to demonize members of their comm…

A UNH Granite State Poll found 60% of Republicans support school vouchers, compared with 8% of Democrats and 42% of Independents. Only about 28% of

Election Outcome Could Bring Big Changes to NH Public Schools

Republicans in New Hampshire have already submitted bills to expand the eligibility requirements for the state's Education Freedom Accounts Program…

Immigration groups are calling for a halt to deportations while the new administration decides whether or how to unwind President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. (svetazi/Adobestock)

Immigration Advocates Praise DACA Ruling; Press Biden to Go Further

CONCORD, N.H. -- Groups that fight for immigrants' rights are pressing for a path to citizenship in the wake of a new federal court ruling forcing …

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's recent edition of the Kids Count Data Book places New Hampshire sixth in the country for family and community rankings, fifth for education, and sixth for health and economic well-being. (Mohan Nannapaneni/Pixabay)

Report: NH Ranked 2nd for Child Well-Being

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire is the second best state in the country for children's well-being, according to a national report. The annual Annie …

According to AARP's Valuing the Invaluable report, about 1 in 8 adults in New Hampshire and across the country provides unpaid care for a family member. (Enlightening Images/Pixabay)

About 1 in 8 Granite Staters are Family Caregivers

CONCORD, N.H. — About 1 in 8 people in New Hampshire is a family caregiver, according to a new AARP report that says these folks provide more …

The latest census shows that more than 16 percent of American children live with a grandparent with no parent present, compared with 5 percent in 1990. (duetaz.org)

Grand-Families Increase Nearly Threefold in 30 Years

CONCORD, N.H. — Most grandparents look forward to an afternoon or weekend with their grandchildren. But a growing number are now raising their …

Older foster youth have lower rates of permanent placements with families in New Hampshire than in other states. (JUrban/Pixabay)<br />

NH Youth Face Barriers Leaving Foster Care

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire could be doing more to help young people in foster care transition to adult life, according to a new report…

Customs Border Patrol checkpoints that have sprung up in New Hampshire are slowing traffic and alarming some people. (Chris Dag/Flickr)

Customs Border Patrol Checkpoints Worry NH Residents, Tourists

CONCORD, N.H. – Some New Hampshire residents and tourists hiking in the White Mountains or traveling on Concord Coach Lines say they're angry …

Family medical leave would let workers take up to six weeks at 60 percent pay to care for a new child or sick family member. (Sanjasy/Pixabay)

Family Medical Leave Bill Dies in NH Senate

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire state Senate voted Thursday to send a family medical leave insurance bill back for further study, effectively …

New Hampshire leads the nation in overdose deaths per capita from the opioid known as fentanyl. (stubs.org)

NH Suicide-Prevention Advocates Step Up in Opioid Crisis

CONCORD, N.H. — More than 142,000 Americans had so-called "despair deaths" in 2016 - meaning from drugs, alcohol or suicide. But prevention …

Advocates say for New Hampshire to stay a great place to live, children need the chance to reach their fullest potential. (Pixabay)

Immigrant Kids, Children of Color Face Barriers to Success

CONCORD, N.H. – During a time of intense national conversations on race and immigration, a new report reveals the barriers to success children …

Cyber bullies don't take a summer break, and parents can help kids reduce their risks by limiting screen time. (Home of Fixers/Flckr)

No Summer Break for NH Cyber Bullies

MANCHESTER, N.H. – It once happened mostly in schoolyards, but now bullies also launch their attacks on the Web - and those attacks can …

Immigrants' advocates are welcoming a change in course by the Trump administration on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, but note it could change at any moment. (S. Melkisethian/Flckr)

NH Undocumented: Still Subject to President Trump's "Whim?"

CONCORD, N.H. -- The Trump Administration has, for the moment, reversed course on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Immigrant …

Family Resource Centers' programs reach about 25,000 New Hampshire residents a year. (D Mosher/Flickr)

Too Tied Down to Get Your GED This Summer? Think Again

MANCHESTER, N.H. - As summer rapidly approaches, kids can find plenty to do at Family Resource Centers all across the state, which also provide …

Chris and Bonnie Wade are among the more than 8,000 New Hampshire grandparents raising their grandkids, and they're looking for help from state lawmakers. (Courtesy of Wade Family)

"On Frontline" of Opioid Epidemic, Grandparents Need Lawmakers' Help

CONCORD, N.H. — In a phenomenon driven largely by the opioid epidemic, more New Hampshire grandparents are raising their grandchildren…

Advocates for affordable child care are holding forums - like this one in Manchester - with state legislators across New Hampshire. (Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy)

Big Decisions Ahead on NH Child Care Funding

CONCORD, N.H. — The cost of child care is taking an ever-growing slice out of the family budgets of Granite State residents with young kids…

Local advocates have spotted a spike in two factors that can contribute to the risk of suicide for young people in the Granite State. It will be a major issue at next month's 13th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference. (Miskatonic/Wikimedia Commons)

Small Spike in Atitudes: More NH Youth at Risk for Suicide

CONCORD, N. H. – It isn't a major jump, but mental-health professionals have detected a convergence in two key attitudes that can increase the …

New Hampshire ranks in the top five states in the nation for best places to have a baby, in terms of affordability and services. (Evan Amos/Wikimedia Commons)

NH Ranks in Top Five for Best States to Have a Baby

CONCORD, N.H. - The statistics tell us that August is a prime month for the arrival of newborns, and a new report places places the Granite State in …

A summit in Manchester will focus today on Social Security and Women and will feature experts from both parties talking about ways to update the program. (AARP-NH).

Keeping Older Women Out of Poverty: Social Security and Women Summit

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Social Security often is called the bedrock of financial security for Granite Staters, and today a summit in Manchester will focus …

New Hampshire ranks sixth in the nation for graduation rates, but a new report says the state could do even better by graduating more students with disabilities. (Eevenson/Wikimedia Commons)

NH in Top 10 for Graduation Rates: Focus on Students with Disabilities

CONCORD, N.H. - As New Hampshire students take pride in earning their high school diplomas, a new report ranks the state in the top 10 for graduation …

Many veterans aren't ready to retire just yet, but a new survey ranks New Hampshire in the top 10 states for veterans to retire. (Villalovos/U.S. Navy photo)

Granite State Ranked 7th Best for Veterans to Retire

CONCORD, N.H. - As the nation takes time to honor veterans on Memorial Day, a new survey ranks New Hampshire as the seventh best state in the nation …

Barbara Van Dahlen, the national founder of Change Direction, will be at the State House along with Gov. Maggie Hassen and the congressional delegation to launch Change Direction NH. (Change Direction)

NH 1st State in Nation to "Change Direction" on Mental Health

CONCORD, N.H. - First Lady Michelle Obama was among the first supporters of a new approach to mental health called Change Direction, and now the …

It is National Bike Month, and Granite Staters are gearing up for a number of events including National Bike to Work Day next week. (Mike Clifford)

Granite State Gears Up for National Bike Month

CONCORD, N.H. - The Granite State is getting into gear for National Bike Month and local enthusiasts say there are plenty of benefits for those who …

A new report finds families in New Hampshire are spending about $12,000 a year for child care, and the lack of state-funded pre-kindergarten put it out of reach for many working families. (H Brady)

NH Called "Family Unfriendly" When It Comes to Child Care

CONCORD, N.H. - Wading through the paperwork involved in getting government help to pay for child care can be overwhelming to already overworked …

Parents in the Granite State are being urged to set an example for their kids by turning off the tube and getting outside for Screen Free Week. (Mike Clifford)

It's Screen-Free Week: Granite State Adults Urged to Set Example for Kids

CONCORD, N.H. - With all the smartphones, tablets, computers and video games around, it's easy to forget that there is life beyond a screen. It's …

Drink more H2O! Older Americans, especially men, and certain ethnic groups need to drink more water to stay healthy, according to the CDC. (Mike Clifford)

Drink More Water - Latest CDC Advice for Most People

CONCORD, N.H. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed up on a study done about a decade ago that looks at whether Americans are …

About 15,000 New Hampshire children grow up separated from a parent in prison, and a new report makes recommendations for communities, courts and states to help them cope. (mensatic/morguefile)

15,000 NH Kids Face Trauma with Parents in Prison

CONCORD, N.H. – A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation calls attention to the plight of children with parents in prison, and those …

A blogging mom says Granite Staters can enjoy life and find designer clothes at deep discounts at secondhand shops. (wallingfordseniors.org)

Blogger Tips for Granite Staters to Enjoy Life on a Budget

NASHUA, N.H. - Social media and the Internet make a person's image seem important, but with money tight, some Granite Staters can't live the …

Supporters of a bill in the New Hampshire Legislature say their goal is to make it easier for families to access mental health services for children. (NH Children�s Behavioral Health Collaborative)

Legislation Aims to Coordinate NH Mental-Health Services for Children

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire has plenty of resources available to help children with mental health issues, but advocates say it can be difficult for …

Supporters of an anti-discrimination measure to protect pregnant women in New Hampshire workplaces say they're optimistic that SB 488 will pass. (Granite State Progress)<br />

NH Senate Considers Workplace Protections for Pregnant Women

CONCORD, N.H. - The goal is to allow Granite State women to remain in the workforce during pregnancy. A measure to provide them reasonable …

Low-wage workers were out in force at the GOP debate in Manchester of Saturday night, demanding a commitment from the candidates to back a $15-an-hour minimum wage. (SEA)

Workers Tell GOP Presidential Candidates, 'Raise the Wage'

MANCHESTER, N.H. - They unfurled a huge banner that said "Come Get My Vote." Low-wage workers were out in force at Saturday night's GOP debate and…

Tax fraud is costing more than $5 billion per year, according to the latest numbers, but consumer experts say you can resolve to beat these scammers to the punch by filing your IRS return early in 2016. (kenteegardin via flckr)

2016 NH Resolution: Beat Fraudsters to Your Tax Refund Check

CONCORD, N.H. - It's the time of year for resolutions and Granite Staters can resolve now to beat scammers to their IRS refund check in 2016 by …

Research shows December is among the top three months for first-time alcohol use among teens. (Mike Clifford)

Granite State Prime Turf for First-Time Teen Alcohol Use

CONCORD, N.H. - December is a time of good cheer, but it is also one of the prime months for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Jayson …

He was played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movies, and now

NH Gets Debit Card, Check Warnings from Former Scammer

LEBANON, N.H. - Frank Abagnale, FBI identity theft expert and former scammer portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie "Catch Me If You Can," and …

Preparations are under way for the White House Conference on Aging. New Hampshire advocates hope that retirement security will be top-of-mind, especially when about half of Americans approaching retirement age have no savings. Credit: Mike Clifford

10-Year Look Ahead on Aging: Retirement Security "Key"

CONCORD, N. H. – It's a ten-year look ahead on aging issues, and New Hampshire advocates expect retirement security to be key at next month's …

Grandparents and other relatives are the first choice for caring for children who aren't able to live with their parents, says a new Annie E. Casey Foundation report. But for many kids in New Hampshire, group home placement is the norm. Credit: avidcreative/iStock.

Granite State Shows Heavy Reliance on Group Homes for Kids

CONCORD, N.H. - A new report says kids who have to be taken from their homes do better when they are placed with families - either relatives or …

PHOTO: Record increases in heroin and opiate abuse have had wide-ranging effects on New Hampshire families in 2014. Photo credit: Psychonaught/Wikimedia Commons.

Side Effects of Heroin, Opiate Epidemics on NH Families

CONCORD, N.H. – The numbers tell the story. In the past decade, the Granite State has seen a 90 percent increase in people seeking state-…

PHOTO: Are seniors the new economic powerhouse? Research shows New Hampshire residents over age 50 are driving half the state's economic growth and supporting more than half of its jobs. Photo credit: Chalmers Butterfield/Wikipedia

Silver in the Hair = Silver in Granite State's Pockets

CONCORD, N.H. - You may be surprised to learn the Granite State residents most likely to have a bit of silver in their hair are also among the main …

PHOTO: A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report finds New Hampshire could produce better outcomes for tens of thousands of low income families by taking a two-generation approach to poverty. Credit: @mlcliff

It Takes "Two Generations" to Tackle NH Poverty

CONCORD, N.H. - A two-generation approach, is what a new report says is needed to help New Hampshire families and others across the nation break the …

PHOTO: A new Robert Half International report finds tech jobs have some of the highest-paying starting salaries, and educators in the Granite State say it doesn't require a four-year degree to improve your career. Photo courtesy N.H. Community College System.

Show Me the Money: Report Urges Granite Staters to Brush Up on Tech Skills

CONCORD, N.H. - A new report from financial recruitment firm Robert Half International indicates the answer for some Granite Staters seeking to boost …

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NH: Family/Father Issues