Rural Health: New Hampshire will receive another $204 million in federal rural-health funding, bringing its two-year total above $408 million. The state says the money will support access to care, telehealth, workforce development and behavioral health services. Hospital Disruptions: Monadnock Community Hospital has canceled some surgeries and appointments as an IT outage continues. Patient Rights: New Hampshire trans teens are asking a federal judge to pause a rule barring Medicaid-funded gender-affirming care. Food Safety: Raw mild and sharp cheddar from Family Farmstead Dairy is under recall for possible Listeria contamination. The cheese was sold in New Hampshire and 11 other states; pregnant people, older adults, newborns and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk. Care Access: Gov. Kelly Ayotte says she will work with the Judicial Branch to preserve funding for the state’s $4.7 million drug-court program, which serves about 300 people with substance-use or mental-health conditions.
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Hospital Access: Monadnock Community Hospital’s phone and internet outages continued Tuesday, forcing it to redirect emergency patients and cancel outpatient lab and radiology appointments. Rural Health: New Hampshire received $204.3 million in federal rural-health funding for a second year, bringing its total to more than $408 million for efforts to expand care, telehealth and the rural health workforce. Maternal Care: Dartmouth Health hospitals in Lebanon and Keene earned national recognition for a childbirth model built around regular conversations with patients and shared decisions about their care. Youth Mental Health: A Dartmouth Health commentary says the share of New Hampshire students reporting persistent sadness and hopelessness fell to about 34%, from 44% in 2021, but remains high; it urges continued investment in youth services. Heating Assistance: Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined other New England governors in seeking a $3 billion increase in federal heating aid, saying it could double support for low- and moderate-income Granite Staters as winter bills rise.
Rural Health Funding: Federal officials missed a deadline to tell states how much competitive funding they’ll receive from a $50 billion rural health program, complicating planning for hospitals and clinics. States must still submit budget revisions by Nov. 30. Gender-Affirming Care: New Hampshire teens are asking a federal judge to pause a rule barring Medicaid-funded gender-affirming care. Cancer Screening: Dartmouth Cancer Center has joined a statewide effort to increase lung cancer screening. Women’s Health: Elliot Health System is expanding access to specialized pelvic health care.
Rural Health Funding: Federal officials have delayed announcing states’ 2027 awards from a $50 billion rural health program, leaving communities waiting for details on next year’s support. Lung Cancer Screening: Dartmouth Cancer Center is part of a statewide push to expand screening; just 31.1% of eligible New Hampshire residents are up to date. Gender-Affirming Care: New Hampshire transgender teens are asking a federal judge to pause a Medicaid rule barring coverage for most gender-affirming care for minors while their lawsuit proceeds. Pelvic Health: Elliot Health System has opened a Concord clinic offering specialized care for conditions including incontinence, recurrent urinary infections and pelvic organ prolapse. Food Security: A new report estimates 11.2% of Granite Staters lack consistent access to adequate food, up from 10.7%; child food insecurity also rose. Problem Gambling: UNH researchers linked online sports betting’s growth to a 23% increase in calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, with many callers ages 18 to 34.
Gender-Affirming Care: New Hampshire transgender teens are asking a federal judge to pause a rule barring Medicaid from covering most gender-affirming care for minors while their lawsuit proceeds. Outdoor Safety: Two men suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in an ATV crash at Pisgah State Park; neither was wearing a helmet, and investigators cited operator inexperience. Environmental Health: Quest Diagnostics has expanded consumer testing for PFAS and heavy metals, while a proposed 3M settlement of up to $7.35 billion could compensate as many as 120,000 people who say contaminated groundwater harmed their health. 3M has not admitted responsibility. Hospital Leadership: St. Joseph Hospital president John Jurczyk was named chair of the New Hampshire Hospital Association’s board of trustees.
Food and Nutrition: 3D-printed plant-based steaks, chicken and fish are arriving at Northeastern retailers. The products use plant ingredients, but researchers have raised questions about the nutritional effects of 3D-printed foods. Medication Coverage: A Southern New Hampshire Starbucks employee says she can no longer afford Wegovy after the company dropped coverage for weight-loss drugs; employer coverage for these medicines is declining more broadly. Measles: The U.S. has reported more than 5,100 cases this year, but New Hampshire is among just five states with none. Most people affected were unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status. Pet Vaccines: A state House committee recommended revisiting a proposal to expand rabies vaccine exemptions for pets. Veterinarians warn rabies is deadly and the vaccine protects both animals and people. Data Centers: Bow residents are pressing for a town vote on a moratorium, while Sen.-elect Chris Pappas has warned that data centers can harm communities and well-being.
Health Insurance: A new comparison tool from Boston-based Benefitra lets sole proprietors weigh four nationwide plans against state exchange options, including hospital networks and specialty-drug coverage. The launch comes as 2027 benchmark premiums are projected to rise 13% on average. GLP-1 Coverage: A Southern New Hampshire resident says she can no longer afford Wegovy after her employer dropped obesity-drug coverage; fewer large employers covered these medicines in 2026 than a year earlier. Rabies Prevention: New Hampshire veterinarians and lawmakers are debating possible changes to pet rabies-vaccine guidance, after a bill seeking broader exemptions was sent for interim study. Measles Watch: The U.S. has recorded more than 5,100 measles cases this year, but New Hampshire is among five states with none reported; health officials say two MMR doses are 97% effective.
Measles Watch: The U.S. has recorded 5,182 cases this year, with 11% of patients hospitalized; New Hampshire is among just five states reporting none. Two MMR doses are 97% effective. Pet Vaccines: New Hampshire veterinarians and lawmakers are debating rabies vaccine hesitancy. A bill to broaden pet exemptions stalled, but a House committee recommended revisiting the issue in future legislation. Health Costs: With Democrats taking control of the state Legislature, Senate Democratic leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka says lowering healthcare costs will be a priority, alongside housing, child care and energy costs. Food Access: The New Hampshire Food Bank works with pantries, shelters and grocery stores to distribute food statewide, including fresh meat and poultry rescued from supermarkets.
State Health Priorities: With Democrats set to take control of New Hampshire’s Legislature, Senate Democratic leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka says lowering healthcare costs will be a priority, alongside housing, childcare, energy and property taxes. Measles: U.S. cases have topped 5,100 this year, but New Hampshire is among five states with no reported cases. Unvaccinated people account for 96% of infections; two MMR doses are 97% effective. Flu: CDC estimates show illnesses and hospitalizations climbing sharply nationwide, with activity increasing earlier than usual. Food Security: The New Hampshire Food Bank relies on local pantries and agencies to reach families statewide, including through a program that recovers fresh meat and poultry from supermarkets. Community Wellness: Lakes Region advocates have formed a nonprofit to plan a replacement for Laconia’s pool, destroyed in a 2024 fire, and are beginning fundraising and site scouting.
Care at Home: A Concord Monitor report highlights the uncertainty facing New Hampshire families caring for medically complex children. Separately, the state settled a nearly six-year in-home care lawsuit, but the deal does not guarantee new funding for caregivers. Flu Watch: Flu cases and hospitalizations are climbing sharply nationwide, with the CDC warning activity is rising in many regions. Gambling Harm: University of New Hampshire researchers linked online sports betting legalization to a nearly 23% increase in calls to the National Problem Gambling Hotline; nearly half of contacts were from people ages 18 to 34. Food Access: The New Hampshire Food Bank is set to receive a rice allocation Nov. 12 as a nonprofit expands food relief across New England.
Complex Care: A Concord Monitor report spotlights Allenstown toddler Charlotte Guptill, who relies on ventilation and other intensive support, as families of medically complex children face uncertainty about continued care. Vaccination: New Hampshire lawmakers may revisit pet rabies vaccine exemptions after a House committee backed future legislation on the issue. Veterinarians say the vaccine is safe and protects against a disease that spreads to people and is almost always fatal. Family Planning: Democrats’ historic sweep put all five seats on the Executive Council in Democratic hands. The new councilors have pledged to restore funding for Planned Parenthood and other family-planning services, which the Republican-led council repeatedly rejected. Veterans’ Well-Being: New Hampshire nonprofits are connecting veterans with housing and mental-health services, including service dogs; about 80,000 veterans live in the state.
Recovery Services: New Hampshire’s Supreme Court budget proposal would eliminate the state’s treatment courts, including Drug Court, which has graduated 1,000 people. Retired judges warn the cuts could undermine addiction and mental health care. Emergency Care: Parkland Medical Center is building a 24/7 freestanding ER in Salem, with 12 patient rooms, imaging and lab services. It is expected to open in summer 2027. Community Health: More than 800 Bow residents petitioned for a yearlong pause on data-center development, citing concerns including noise and possible health effects. The planning board will hold a public hearing Dec. 3. Veterans’ Support: New Hampshire nonprofits are connecting veterans with mental health services, housing and service dogs, and are seeking volunteers. Oral Health: A Dartmouth medical student is teaching elementary school students about dental health, responding to unmet needs identified in an Upper Valley health assessment.
Youth Mental Health: New Hampshire students report some improvement: the share feeling persistently sad or hopeless fell to about 34%, from 44% in 2021. Dartmouth Health says the crisis remains serious and urges continued investment in youth services. Prevention: A Plaistow showcase brought together about 150 people as students presented work on mental health, bullying, substance use and vaping. Transgender Youth Care: New Hampshire families are seeking a court order to preserve medical care for transgender youth. Rural Health Funding: Federal officials missed a deadline to announce next year’s state awards from a five-year, $50 billion rural health fund, leaving states waiting for allocation details. Healthcare Costs: Democratic gains in Congress have renewed attention to drug prices and coverage affordability; employer family premiums rose 5% from 2025 to 2026, with costs projected to rise another 9.5% in 2027. Age-Friendly Care: Southern New Hampshire Health became the first organization in the nation recognized for age-friendly pharmacy care.
State Health Policy: New Hampshire Democrats won veto-proof control of both legislative chambers while Gov. Kelly Ayotte secured reelection. Democrats campaigned on lowering health and prescription costs and increasing Medicaid and Medicare funding, setting up debate over care affordability. In-Home Care: The state settled a nearly six-year lawsuit before trial, but the deal does not guarantee new caregiver funding, leaving questions about support for people who rely on home care. Surgical Care: A Nashua ambulatory surgery center has added robotic-arm-assisted knee replacements for outpatient patients.
Health Care Priorities: Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s Senate race, campaigning on affordable health care and lower prescription costs. Age-Friendly Care: Southern New Hampshire Health became the first in the nation recognized for age-friendly pharmacy care. In-Home Support: New Hampshire settled a nearly six-year lawsuit over in-home care, but the settlement does not guarantee new caregiver funding. Local Treatment: Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center has introduced robotic-arm-assisted knee replacement for outpatient patients. Care for Transgender Youth: New Hampshire families are seeking a court order to preserve medical care for transgender young people.
Health-Care at the Ballot Box: Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat, campaigning on expanding care access and opposing federal health cuts. Newly elected 1st District Rep. Stefany Shaheen also emphasized health-care costs and fixing the system; voters named medical costs among their top concerns. Care Close to Home: Southern New Hampshire Health received national recognition for age-friendly pharmacy care, while a Nashua surgical center introduced robotic-arm-assisted outpatient knee replacements. Provider Pressures: Dartmouth Health faces deficits and job cuts. New Hampshire also settled a long-running in-home-care lawsuit, but no new caregiver funding is guaranteed.
Care Access: A New Hampshire family says it waited about four months for specialty follow-up after a serious stroke at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, with little way to contact a neurologist in the meantime. A referral to Massachusetts General Hospital led to an appointment offer within three weeks. Outpatient Orthopedics: Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center performed its first robotic-arm-assisted knee replacement, expanding same-day surgery options for eligible patients. In-Home Support: The state settled a nearly six-year lawsuit over missed care for older and disabled Medicaid recipients in the Choices for Independence program. The deal requires closer tracking of missed visits and a request for inflation-linked caregiver rate increases, but guarantees no new funding and still needs a judge’s approval. Age-Friendly Care: Southern New Hampshire Health is the first in the nation recognized for age-friendly pharmacy care.
Food Safety: A recall of Miyoko’s European Style Salted Plant Milk Butter includes New Hampshire. The FDA cited possible E. coli, yeast and mold contamination; shoppers should stop using the product and return it for a refund. Older-Adult Care: Southern New Hampshire Health says its pharmacy is the first in the nation recognized for Age-Friendly Pharmacy care. Hospital Finances: Dartmouth Health is facing deficits and job cuts in 2026, raising concerns about pressure on a major regional care provider. Community Hospitals: Monadnock Community Hospital CEO Rich Scheinblum will discuss the role and challenges of small hospitals at a Nov. 6 event in Jaffrey.
Age-Friendly Care: Southern New Hampshire Health’s pharmacy has become the first in the nation recognized for age-friendly pharmacy care. Student Health: St. Joseph Hospital’s mobile health clinic is now operating, bringing essential care to students. Youth Care: New Hampshire families are asking a court to protect transgender youths’ access to medical care. Hospital Finances: Dartmouth Health faces deficits and plans job cuts in 2026. Flu Season: Doctors say flu is arriving early and urge people to get vaccinated.
Stroke Update: Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, 53, is awake and responding well to treatment after a stroke, and doctors are optimistic he’ll make a full recovery. He had been scheduled to campaign in New Hampshire with Senate candidate Chris Pappas. Care for Transgender Youth: New Hampshire families are seeking a court order to preserve medical care for transgender young people. Vaccine Debate: In Peterborough, challenger Amanda Allen criticized Rep. Jonah Wheeler over votes to restrict childhood vaccine rules and weaken vaccine standards. Health System Strain: Dartmouth Health faces deficits and job cuts in 2026. Flu Prevention: New Hampshire doctors say flu is arriving early and urge residents to get vaccinated.
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