State hoping Doorway proves breakthrough moment in fight against opioid abuse

Doorway is funded through a two-year grant from the federal DHHS. (Courtesy image)

CONCORD - Last month, Doorway-NH, the vanguard of a new frontline initiative to reduce New Hampshire opioid overdoses and dependence, set a record last month, serving more than 1,000 New Hampshire residents seeking help with substance use disorder, according to a statement from the Governor's Office.

It was the highest monthly total of clients served since the launch of the Doorways system in January 2019.
The data from Doorway-NH, which promises those in need, "You are not alone" and "Help is less than an hour away," shows that, "Doorways are having an incredibly positive impact," said Governor Chris Sununu on Friday. "In launching the Doorway system, we created a system that serves all communities and provides access to an array of services - from initial evaluation to treatment and recovery programs. The number of people helped by the Doorways in January demonstrates that as the system takes root in communities throughout our state, more and more people are able to get the connections they need to critical treatment and recovery services."
DHHS Chief Lori Shibinette said the Doorway method continues to adapt as new needs and challenges present themselves.
"The Doorways' comprehensive system of care continues to evolve, with more than 8,400 people served at a Doorway in the past 12 months. The data shows positive signs that more people are able to access services," said Shibinette. "By building strong relationships with community providers, the Doorway is helping people affected by addiction and making an impact everywhere in our state. We are grateful that SAMHSA funding has enabled the state to build out a system that helps residents get the help they need close to home."
The Doorway-NH system was launched in January 2019 with funding from the State Opioid Response grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The two-year funding program has delivered almost $50 million to help New Hampshire combat the opioid crisis. The Doorway is considered a critical part of New Hampshire's plan to expand the availability of SUD services as New Hampshire addresses the opioid crisis.
The State recently announced that in the coming months, Catholic Medical Center will be managing Doorway operations in Manchester and Southern New Hampshire Health will run the Nashua Doorway program. For more information about the Doorway-NH, please visit http://thedoorway.nh.gov/. For more information on the State Opioid Response grant, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/sor.htm.