Governor Sununu and HOF Join NH Healthy Families for Virtual Youth Summit on Suicide Prevention

NH Healthy Families is pleased to announce the presentation of the Strong Youth Strong Communities program in New Hampshire. The event, to be presented virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been developed in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Governor Chris Sununu, and Ohio State University Head Football Coach and Manchester, NH native Ryan Day. The hour-long program will air on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Facebook page on September 25th at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Convening local partners for the virtual event include NAMI New Hampshire, Granite YMCA, Connor’s Climb, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Strong Youth, Strong Communities is a nationwide initiative designed to support the healthy development of youth and to assist youth-serving organizations with the goal of strengthening young people and their communities. The New Hampshire event will include the involvement of area youth and bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention – issues that are even more relevant to teenagers that are dealing with additional stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth participants from around the state will have a chance to hear personal stories from Governor Chris Sununu, New England Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, Coach Ryan Day, former UNC Women’s basketball player, Iman McFarland, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Darrell Green, Anthony Muñoz, Aeneas Williams. These community leaders and sport legends will offer up their real life experiences through overcoming challenges in the face of adversity and deliver a message of hope to all young adults.

"NH Healthy Families is proud to partner with so many state and community leaders and organizations to present the Strong Youth ,Strong Communities Youth Summit here in the Granite State," said NH Healthy Families Plan President and CEO Clyde White. "We are pleased to be a part of this program and grateful to Governor Sununu, Coach Ryan Day, Iman McFarland, the Hall of Fame athletes and all of our community partners for participating in this powerful and unique virtual summit."

"As a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide, we are excited to partner on this important initiative," said Ken Norton, Executive Director of NAMI New Hampshire. "Only by working together can we end stigma, and promote hope and healing for our youth."

David Baker, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame said, "With the tremendous support of our local partners and our Hall of Famers, we're pleased to bring this virtual youth summit experience to New Hampshire to address and build awareness around such an important theme and support thousands of youth during these extraordinary and challenging times."

The Strong Youth, Strong Communities Virtual Youth Summit is part of a month-long initiative by NH Healthy Families to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention. Letting youth know, You Are Not Alone.