Speak Up Now
Take Care of Yourself. Take Care of Others. It Matters.
Speak Up Now New Hampshire is a public service campaign developed in partnership by Catholic Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Elliot Health System. As major health care providers in the Greater Manchester area, we have a responsibility to work together to keep our communities healthy. Our goal is to bring to light important health-related issues that we see on a daily basis and provide powerful messages, guidance, and tools that, in the end, will hopefully impact behavior and make a positive change in someone’s life.
For a year, beginning August 2012, our respective organizations have decided to focus on two important health topics—prescription drug abuse and child abuse. We are all proud to work and live in New Hampshire; however, as a state, we are not immune to these issues that have startling statistics on a national level. For example, did you know that New Hampshire has the second highest rate nationally of young adults abusing pain medication in the past year? And that there are more than 15,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect filed annually in our state? 2,000 of these are confirmed cases of sexual abuse.
Unfortunately our organizations are faced with the impact of these personal consequences and decisions on almost a daily basis. Many that can often be mitigated by making the right choice—noticing the signs, speaking up, and taking action.
Through print, radio and web efforts, as well as speaking opportunities and other events, we hope to provide you with the information you need to become more aware and prevent the abuse from happening or seek the help that is needed. Through partnerships with media, and other advocacy and treatment centers, the tools are here for you to make a difference in your life or the life of another loved one.
And remember: this campaign is directed to each and every one of us. Whether you are a parent, a child, a teacher, a caregiver, a victim, or an individual seeking help, you can make the right choice and Speak Up Now.
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