The Executive Council unanimously approved contracts for hospitals in Manchester and Nashua to serve as new hubs for the Doorway, a program which connects people substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services.
Earlier this year, the state terminated its Doorway contracts with Granite Pathway after a review found the organization struggled to connect with other community service providers and did not follow up on client referrals.
Tim Soucy is the executive director of community health and mission at Catholic Medical Center, which will be the new hub in Manchester starting in May.
He says once CMC takes over the Doorway in Manchester, he wants it to be well integrated in the community.
"[By] making sure we have appropriate staffing levels to meet the hours of expectation that are in the community,” he said. “We want to partner obviously with city of Manchester and safe stations program to make sure we're meeting their needs."
In the meantime, CMC and Southern New Hampshire Health in Nashua are currently working with Granite Pathways on a transition plan.
But since the state said it was canceling its contract, Granite Pathways has cut back its hours, closing at 5 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. Manchester first responders say many people seek help with addiction or possible overdoses in that window.
The nearly two million dollar contract covers salaries for 13 employees, respite housing vouchers and naloxone to distribute and runs through the end of September, which is when the two-year State Opioid Response grant from the federal government ends.
Earlier this month, Governor Sununu sent an email to Congressional leaders urging them to continue funding the State Opioid Response grant in the next fiscal year.
